MEMBERS of Droitwich Life Saving Club have made a trip to the coast to practice techniques and get some extra training.

The group of 36 children along with several leaders and parents, made the journey from Droitwich Leisure Centre to Barry Island in south Wales, where they were hosted by Whitmore Bay Lifeguard Club, who let them have use of the beachside clubhouse and all their equipment.

Club secretary and leader of the club’s Rookie section for 10 to 13-year-olds, said: "It was absolutely pouring when we left, but luckily the weather brightened up by the time we reached the M50, and stayed dry and warm all weekend for us."

Youngsters from the club thook part in three teaching sessions over their two day stay, with the senior section achieving their bronze or silver Survive and Save Beach awards, while the Rookies worked towards their Rookie Lifeguard Beach, Beach Running, Paddleboard, Communications and Water Safety awards.

Club chairman Rhian Hughes, added: "The weekend has been such a success and I am so proud of the club. We couldn't have asked for better weather or a nicer bunch of kids to take away. They've all enjoyed it immensely, as have all the leaders, and hopefully they have all learnt something too.

“Being in the Midlands we obviously don't get much of a chance to experience beach lifesaving, so we were keen to give our members the opportunity to experience cold water, tides, currents, changing weather conditions, etc, all of which can contribute to an incident and affect a rescue. We were very lucky to be hosted by Whitmore Bay Lifeguard club, who experience these conditions every day, and now I am confident all of our members who took part in the trip could perform a rescue in a beach setting, should they need to.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the trip, but it has been a huge success so hopefully it'll be the first of many."

Droitwich Life Saving Club trains on Sunday evenings from 6-8pm at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre. For more information contact Rhian Hughes on 07814 227688, or Heather Gow on 07891 665367. Alternatively visit droitwichlifesavers.co.uk or write to droitwichlifesavingclub@gmail.com.