In the first year, the students are rigorously trained in lifesaving techniques, both for the swimming pool and surf beach environment. They are also taught how to kayak as a means of creating further awareness and respect for the sea. The final element is training in first aid. Lifeguard students can be seen training on Southerndown beach on a weekly basis, even in January!

Training in the first year is comprehensive - it has to be, as by the end of the year, we hope the students will have successfully passed two professional lifeguarding awards: the National Aquatic Rescue Standard for Pool Lifeguards, and the sister award for beach lifeguarding. They will also have taken their St. John's Ambulance Community First Aid Award.

When they come back in August of their second year, the students spend the month patrolling Southerndown beach every afternoon. As well as ensuring bathers and surfers are safe in the water, they provide information about tides and water safety and enforce beach regulations. They also man a first aid station. The students also have the opportunity of spending a weekend in West Wales during August period, practising some of the kayaking skills that they have learnt.

For the remainder of their second year, students in lifeguard service carry out a wide range of duties, all of which involve community service in on way or another. Some students act as instructors to the next group of first years, teaching them the necessary lifeguarding skills; some teach young children or fellow students to swim; some work with a local surf lifesaving club who come to use our swimming pool. It is a busy time for the students and one in which they give something back to the community and make use of the many skills they develop.

Every year during the March Project Week, Lifeguard Service runs a project to Nolton Haven in West Wales, where students have the opportunity to develop their kayaking and surfing skills in the beautiful environment of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Quite a change from the Bristol Channel!

In summary, Lifeguard Service at Atlantic College, provides a challenge to all those who opt for it. For some it is a physical challenge, for others a mental one. It tests the courage, endurance and leadership skills of the students and allows them to contribute fully to the community service programme.