Elwood College students to train as volunteer lifesavers

Elwood College students will be helping keep Elwood Beach safe this summer as volunteer lifesavers, thanks to a grant from the Commonwealth Bank Elsternwick Branch.

The $6450 Community Grant will support the College’s Year 10 Bronze Medallion Program, with students to receive training in Level 2 first aid, aquatic rescue and resuscitation techniques.

The money will primarily be used to allow every Year 10 student to join the Elwood Surf Life Saving Club and gain National Accreditation in Surf Life Saving.

Principal Rhonda Holt said that she was delighted that the students wiould be giving back to their local community as volunteer lifesavers.

“Keeping our local beaches safe and enjoyable is a vital community service and I know our students will take great pride in helping out,” she added.

Head of Physical Education Scott Burton said the program offered practical skills and a sense of achievement.

“Students will gain lifelong skills and confidence in dealing with everyday emergency situations,” Mr Burton said. “It’s about meeting challenges and becoming responsible ‘global citizens’.”

To gain their Bronze Medallion, students will undertake a 400m swimming assessment and learn rescue techniques and First Aid. They will then need to be assessed by Surf Life Saving Victoria to achieve a National Accreditation before receiving their lifesaver caps this summer.