Lancashire Lifesavers Officers Reports Page

I would like to add my own personal welcome to everyone attending our 62nd AGM. After many years of holding this event at Lanes Constabulary HQ, Hutton, a change of time and venue was agreed by the Management Committee with a view to increasing attendance.

This Meeting gives me the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Lancashire Lifesavers during '05, in any capacity at all. Firstly I thank ALL Branch Officers who devote so much time and effort to our cause. Chairman Peter Moyes has travelled to Clubs near and far to assist in solving their problems such as lack of equipment. Secretary Edward Oldfield has put considerable time and effort into producing a Guide to Nominations for National Awards. Congratulations to all this year's recipients!

As President I have had a busy and enjoyable year, beginning with the presentation of awards to the Branch Competition winners in May; this was organised by Eileen Walsh, Sports Coordinator, whose work has been severely restricted recently due to injury; we wish her a speedy recovery, Meryl Graves, Youth development Officer organised a Fun Competition which was enjoyed by both swimmers and spectators alike. Not only are we grateful for all the effort put in by Meryl to run this, but also for her liaison with John Child and Richard Halstead of Sandcastle Waterworld for allowing us use of facilities, expertise and equipment. Meryl also has not been in the beat of health recently.

Terry Rogers, (Events and Fund Raising) has been a tower of strength in many respects which include helping with the above, plus Open Water tests, plus the Christmas Disco & Buffet ... However, we focus on Fleetwood next as I thank Bill Andrew, Linda Swettenham, & Sue Holt, (WS Off.) for staging the Open Water Tests once again. Sue has also been at the forefront of the Disco & Buffet event, which proved to be a great success. On the technical side, Frank Kay (BLC) has worked hard to keep us up-to-date with technical information from Headquarters, together with his power-point presentations.

I have been privileged to present awards on two further occasions the first of these being the presentation of a Lancashire Branch Certificate of Thanks to Paul Walker, (Blackpool Borough Council) for continuing to allow our Lifesavers use of the facilities at the new Palatine Pool. The second presentation was to Blackpool Outdoor Adventure Group, whose members provided invaluable assistance at the Open Water Tests - especially volunteering to act as casualties!

2005 has been a great year in so many respects, but sadness has crept in towards the end. We very much regret Debbie McCabe's resignation from her position as Branch Treasurer/Awards & Sales Officer. We wish her success in her Degree course; her commitment and reliability will be hard to match.

Sadly our President-elect, Vernon Baker BA passed away on 29th November, Vernon, a Life Governor of RLSS UK, has been a member of the Lancs. Executive Committee since the early 1960s. The only Office he has not held was that of President; he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. In concluding may I thank all parents, friends and supporters for all you have accomplished during the past year. May we all build on the foundations laid by dedicated workers through the years and move forward confidently in 2006

Penny Riley
December 2005

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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2005/6

I would like to welcome you to our AGM and to the change of time and venue in an attempt to encourage greater attendance. Perhaps my report should be sub-titled "Embracing Change in 2006"?

I would like to thank all the Branch Officers, NTAs, T/As, Parent Helpers and Helpers, indeed anyone who assists the Branch and who gives so much of their free time. You ensure the smooth running of the Branch's activities from club nights, competitions to open water events. I would also like to thank the members of all our clubs; you put the work in to make our efforts worthwhile.

At the outset of my term of office, I decided that I should familiarise myself with all the clubs so that I might better understand their workings and assist in any way to solve any problems they might have. With that in mind, I paid the first of what I hope will become a regular series of visits to Blackpool, Fleetwood, Fylde and Leyland (Kirkham being my own club).

The enthusiasm of the members of those clubs I visited, together with that of their T/A's and teachers and helpers, was heartening to see.

I have also visited clubs to present Headquarters' Honour awards, Branch awards and competition awards, and I was pleased to accompany our President, Penny Riley, when she presented awards.

The European Resuscitation Council has published its long awaited report on improvements to the Lifesupport protocols. These changes will be introduced to NTAs and TA's through 'Roadshow' events run by HQ, culminating in the release of updated Lifesupport manuals. You will be notified when these events take place. More changes to embrace!

My first year of office has been marked by the untimely death of Vernon Baker, our first President Elect. Vernon, a Life Governor of RLSS UK joined the Lancashire Branch Executive Committee, as it was then known, in the 1960' s. Branch Treasurer from 1975 to 2000 and Branch Chairman from 2000 to 2005; he also served on Regional and HQ committees. All will miss him.

Peter Moyes
January 2006.

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LIFESAVING COORDINATOR

In our Branch we only have one NTA (LS) who is busy running courses (pool-NRASTC, First Aid at work etc. almost every week. It is difficult to fit in courses for the Branch at weekends. The nearest other NTA is at Cheshire and when I contacted him he suggested that we doubled up with Manchester Branch as they needed the same courses running as us.

A SPLSI0 (NRASTC T/A) course was arranged for 24/04/05 at Oldham but this had to be cancelled because Headquarters did not have 28 days notice.

Marion agreed to fit in an Assistant Teachers Module into her busy schedule and this was run on 17/09/05 in Blackburn. Eight members attended and are now putting their skills into practice back at their local clubs.

A Save a Baby's Life (SABL) Resuscitation clinic was held at the Sandcastle Waterworld on 02110/05 and six members of the public attended. If you would like a SABL course in your area please get in touch with me or any member of the Branch committee. The clinic is a two-hour course and all we need is a venue.

A seminar for TA's (LS) had been planned this has been put on hold for the time being because of the new protocols for resuscitation. All TA's will have to attend a Roadshow for the new protocols. More info will be given from Headquarters nearer the time. Keep an eye on your lifesavers magazine.

Frank Kay
Branch Lifesaving Coordinator

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WATER SAFETY OFFICERS REPORT

Once again recent incidents most notably the death of two teenagers on the Fylde coast following the tragedies of the cocklers in Morecambe Bay again highlighted how dangerous Britain's coastal waters are.

It is only through education in Water Safety that these incidents can be minimised because the rescue services can only do that that is possible within their resources, which again underlines the importance and value of the work undertaken by the RLSS and other like-minded bodies.

At Fleetwood where I am most active the club has established links with other bodies the most notable being the Blackpool Outdoor Activity group together with schools from both the state and private sector. School swimming has an important role to play in this area of Water Safety and we as a body, should campaign to have the full two years of school swimming restored to the curriculum in primary schools and at least one year at senior schools. I have become aware of the decline in swimming standards in these age groups.

The Open Waters in Fleetwood held on the Beach were a great success due to the excellent weather and good organisation. Thanks to all the help I have received during the year from our friends the Coastguards Beach Patrols Blackpool and Fleetwood.

Susan W Holt
Water Safety Officer

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Lifeguard Officer Report

Dear Member,

I hope you enjoyed our Open Water Events in 2005. Through our involvement with the Royal Life Saving Society we are constantly researching and improving the extensive training programme we offer to members.

The various open water qualifications that have taken place at our venues are the National Beach Lifeguard award along with the Assistant Beach, the New Emergency Response Outdoor Activity for Supervisors, and last but not least the Bronze and Silver Cross and Emergency Response Awards. This is a test of competence in accident prevention, water rescue and life support for those overseeing others at a recognised site used for activities in or near open water.

As Branch Lifeguard Officer, my aim is to endeavour to introduce lifeguard units where none exist currently and where they do exist to increase the numbers to work alongside the local RLSS Branch. This is to promote suitable courses and modules for the provision of qualified open water assessors; pool/beach lifeguards and training assessors, to encourage the recognition of a safe open water environment with properly trained and qualified lifeguards.

The Specialist Programme is a course in extended life support which was organised in the Beach Patrol Head-quarters. Candidates include Beach Patrol and Fleetwood Life Saving Club who all now are fully qualified in this award - Well Done.

Fleetwood Leisure Centre still offers excellent and suitable facilities for our requirements needed to comply with our risk assessment policy. Fleetwood Life Saving Club has provided both professional and reliable team support in 2005.

It is now reasonable to expect clubs to have a certain responsibility for our lifeguards ongoing risk assessment in water safety progression. Uniform and Personal Equipment requirements are therefore essential for future development.

Any club having problems obtaining yellow T-Shirts and Quartered hats can borrow them from the Lifeguard Unit which can be kept by your club for the duration, being handed back at the close of the season.

I have attached 2006 Open Water forms - (back page of annual report) please note that this year our form is required to be completed in full, per candidate, together with the correct remittance in advance. It is imperative that these forms for Beach awards are returned by 31st January 2006 to enable theory sessions to be scheduled for the correct hours training, and administration completed. The fees will be refunded if for some reason the candidate cannot attend. All other award forms must be completed by 30th April 2006.

Finally many thanks for your clubs enthusiasm, dedication and discipline - these attributes certainly helped to control our open water activities in 2005.

We are looking forward to seeing you all there this coming year.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Lancashire Branch.

William G Andrew
Branch Lifeguard Co-ordinator RLSS

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Sports Co-ordinator

The Branch qualifier was held at Blackpool Lido on 21/05/05 and it was great to see back judging Marion Penman, Joanne Roche and Pauline Mills. Many thanks for setting the initiative test and judging.

This is the last time we will be using the Lido as it is now closed and I would like to thank the management and staff for their help and support.

The Branch is looking forward to using the new Palatine Pool in Blackpool for its competitions and we are in the process of arranging the next one. With this being a new pool hopefully more competitors will attend and represent the Lancashire Branch.

Congratulations to all who qualified to the regional and national finals and to Terry Rogers who is a member of the North West team who received the Bronze medal after coming third in the team incident event.

I was in the process of arranging a fun competition, but due to an injury I was unable to carry on with this. I asked Meryl Graves to take over which she did. Thank you Meryl. It was an enjoyable evening and I hope the fun competition will carry on for many years to come.

Eileen Walsh
Sports Co-ordinator

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Fundraising Officer's Report

Another good year for lifesaving with the Society getting stronger and stronger as the years go by, New officers are being brought into the lifesaving family thanks to a number of new initiatives brought in at conference.

Fundraising is an integral part of the RLSS and every member can do his or her bit to help.
If you wish to help in any way the Society will be grateful, and will waste no time in putting all funds raised to good use, so whether it's a Jumble sale, Car Boot sale, purchasing the Society's Kiss for Life merchandise or a donation please do as much as you can to help.

We at the Lancashire Branch hosted a Christmas Disco, we will be holding our AGM at the Claremont Hotel this year and it will also be followed by a Disco and Buffet where if the last few events are anything to go by will be a great event.

The National fundraising team are very keen to promote the Kiss for Life merchandise:
• Charity Wrist Bands (Limited Edition)
• Enamelled Badges
• Coin4Life key rings
All of the above cost £1 each so if you would like to sell any of these items please contact me.

The Management Committee have come a long way in the last few years, and the reason for this is that a group of people past and present work tirelessly to promote the RLSS. in this area, our present secretary Edward Oldfield has helped steer through change and improvement, and it was announced that 2006 will be his last full year, Edwards individual ways in helping the Society in this area will be sadly missed, And I wish him well for the future and look forward to him once again joining the committee in the not to distant future.

I would like to thank all the Members, Committee, and Local Managers for their continual support for all events held.

Terry Rogers
Fundraising Officer for 2005

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