Friday evening, and we arrived at the Weymouth Sea Cadet Unit ready to start a weekend of water based safety and rescue training. Several courses were on offer - ranging from VHF radio operation, to Assistant Lifeguard Training and all manner of things inbetween. Whilst Vicky and Mitch learnt about fracture management (apparently involving Vicky being strapped to a spinal board and lifted accross boats....), Dave got very wet taking his Canoe Safety Test (Kayak) - an extraveganza of rescues, swimming, emptying boats and unexpected scenarios to fish people out of. Judy and Dave floated around a bit in a sheltered cove, and proved during the course of their Assistant Lifeguard Training that it IS possible to combine a playboat, a sea kayak and a general purpose boat in a rafted tow! Saturday night saw an evening in the local pub, where a buffet was laid on for course participants, along with live music (???) and skittles/bowling (notable for the super-fast return of balls to the bowlers). A rather late night (or early morning?) in the centre bar followed for some - a good chance to meet new people and exchange ideas. Sunday dawned bright and early (rather too early for some of us!) and it was only Judy who braved the wet stuff (learning how to ressucitate an unconscious casualty whilst being towed through the water amongst other things) whilst the Vicky, Dave and Mitch completed a well-presented and interesting BCU Aquatic First Aid course.

Although there were less people at the convention this year than have been at previous Lifeguard events that we've attended, it was an interesting and worthwhile weekend. Congratulations to Dave on passing his Canoe Safety Test, and to Vicky, MItch and Dave who passed or renewed their aquatic first aid certificates. There were a variety of courses on offer and I'd reccomend the event to anyone who wants to learn some new canoeing, safety or rescue skills.

Many thanks to Dave Wyatt and Alan Hale from the BCU Canoe Lifeguards for all their hard work organising the event. Check out other opportunities and events run by the BCU Canoe Lifeguards on their website www.bculifeguards.org.uk