‘Baywatch’ comes to Cayman at summer camp

(CNS): The Lions Aquatic Centre in George Town has turned into a Baywatch-style training camp this week as it begins its first ever Junior Lifeguard Training in the Cayman Islands. A group of 25 young people aged between 10 and 15 are taking part in the specialist camp attending half-day daily sessions, when they are put through drills and receive instruction at the pool, as well as going to Seven Mile Beach for seaside training outings. Most of the youngsters at the camp are already keen watersports enthusiasts, either as members of the facility’s Stingray Swim Club or as participants in the Learn to Swim programme. Taking a leaf out of the famous TV show, the kids will soon be qualified to come to the rescue of people who find themselves in trouble in the water.

Senior Swim Instructor Ryan Mushin and three other coaches began with team building exercises and safety instruction for the young swimmers before putting the class through its rescue paces in areas such as stroke-styles, lap-swimming and basic life-saving techniques for pool or open-water.

The local Red Cross provided the training materials, and the young lifeguards to-be are being encouraged to continue their training with Red Cross certification classes in CPR and other areas.

Snacks were donated by Progressive Distributors and watersports operators lent paddleboards and other equipment for use in open-water sessions.

Another Lifeguard Training Class session will be held next week and parents or students are encouraged to register as soon as possible.  The cost is $25 for the entire week.