(1888PressRelease)
May 12, 2006 - The National Lifeguard Challenge has been designed as a one day competition to both raise the profile of and test and reward the abilities of qualified pool lifeguards. Knowledge and skills will be tested in the areas of leadership, health & safety, emergency procedures, operational management, first aid, teamwork and physical fitness. As part of the physical fitness events the teams will be travelling to a nearby ‘adventure camp’ to be tested on the assault course.
Those in attendance will include a number of celebrities, along with several ‘High Profile’ figures from the Leisure Industry and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham.
In preparation for this years event teams have been encouraged to enter the ‘Lifeguard Triathlon’. To date 50 teams have entered with representatives from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Entrants complete the Triathlon in their own pool under supervision of their own trainer who then submits their scores to the ISRM. The Leader Board is updated each week on ISRM’s website (www.isrm.co.uk).
Ian Wakefield the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management’s Business Development Manager said ‘We’ve had a tremendous response from teams up and down the country for both the National Lifeguard Challenge and also the Triathlon. For the Lifeguard Challenge we have a full program with the maximum of 15 teams entered, all of whom are practicing pool lifeguards. We even have reserve teams eager to take the place if anyone is unable to make it on the day. Events such as this are essential to motivate organisations, trainers and lifeguards to aim for ‘Excellence in Lifeguarding’. The ISRM and IQL are always keen to support events of this nature.’
Jason Rudgley, Programme Manager for IQL said ‘Last year, the National Lifeguard Challenge was very successful, and the interest in this years event along with the support for the Triathlon has been very encouraging.’
For more information or photo’s to support this article please contact:
Ian Wakefield
01509 226488
i.wakefield ( @ ) isrm dot co dot uk
About ISRM The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management is the national professional body for sport and recreation management in the UK. Founded in 1921, the institute has a membership of 2,500 qualified sport and recreation specialists employed at all levels in the industry from front line managers to heads of companies, organizations and local authority departments. Its key objective is to provide opportunities for participation in sport and other recreational activities to benefit public health. More information is available at www.isrm.co.uk .
About IQL UK Ltd
The Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) was established to manage the National Pool Lifeguard Programme, of which the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the main part. IQL are also responsible for administering the Approved Training Centre scheme for swimming pool wishing to run the NPLQ. The NPLQ is the most widely recognised pool lifeguard programme in the UK, with over 30,000 lifeguards gaining the NPLQ every year. More information is available at www.lifesavers.org.uk/iql.
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