Rookies (7-13 Years)

Rookie training is held at Stokewood Road Leisure Centre from 19:00 to 21:00 every Friday evening during term time. Our Rookie section is possibly the largest in the UK, and has generated national interest including a recent television feature on CBBC!

Emphasis is on fun and water safety with the development of rescue skills. Rookies are currently following the RLSS Rookie star grade programme, ranging from Star Grade 1 through to Star Grade 4, learning skills such as first aid, knots, communication, signals, water safety, self rescue, emergency response and lots more.

The Rookie programme of 5 age group classes, each with its own instructor, is heavily oversubscribed and parents are advised to contact the Rookie Director early to add any siblings or friends to the waiting list. Sessions currently cost £3.00 and this is payable On the night. Due to the fact rookies is oversubscribed regular attendance is also required.

Rookies also take part in beach training days over the school summer holidays, followed by family barbeques. They have visited RNLI headquarters in Poole and have been visited by the MCA (Coastguard). Rookies with the cadets also have an annual trip to the Splashdown swimming complex in Poole, and are involved in the local indoor twilight series of lifesaving competitions.

A large proportion of the Rookies go on to further their skills and take part in active beach lifeguarding operations from the age 14.

Contact: Rookies@Bournemouth Lifeguards.org.uk