Your life safe in their hands

WINNERS . . . Paul Winrow, trainer, left, with trainees, from left, Danielle Clark, Demi Leigh Jones, Robyn Richards, Lesley Crighton, Ben Richards, Kieran Grady, Jordan Clarke, Jack Hamlett, Natalie Giblin, and helpers Bill Andrew, in glasses, and Jason Dodman, far right

AN intensive lifesaver and rescue course has given 10 young people from St Mary’s a new skill for their CVs.

The course at Oldham Sports Centre gave them their Royal Lifesaving Society bronze medallions after a weekend’s training and testing.

The youngsters all attend St Mary’s Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) at Groundwork, and successfully applied for a grant from Oldham Council’s youth fund, Kerrching.

The project is open to young people from Higginshaw, St Mary’s estate and Coldhurst, and is funded by Positive Steps Oldham.

Each trainee had to demonstrate what they learned on the course, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, applying bandages, rescue techniques on a mannequin, and various rescue skills using ropes and aids.

All passed with flying colours, gaining confidence and communication skills.

Instructor Paul Trainer said: “The bronze medallion is a nationally recognised qualification which is a stepping stone for employment within the leisure industry and involves both water-based rescue techniques and first aid.

“It required commitment and dedication and they should be very proud of themselves.”