TUNSTALL AIMS FOR NaRS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
28.06.2005
Tunstall Swimming Centre’s popularity for lifesaving courses is quickly establishing the facility as a potential centre of excellence in the region. The 100 year old Victorian swimming pool has plenty of service to give under the leadership of NaRS instructors and RLSS lifesaving assessors, Andy Bailey and Michael Hassall, who have been running courses at the centre for the past four years.
Tunstall has become such a successful venue that it attracts people from all over the area to take part in Saturday afternoon classes. These typically last for one hour – half an hour devoted to first aid at poolside, then half an hour swimming.
Due to a number of similar clubs folding in the region and the success of the ‘feeder’ classes, which has seen many youngsters from the area progress from STA swimming awards to lifesaving awards, demand for courses at Tunstall is very high. This has also contributed to the successful training of people keen to work in the leisure industry.
Martin Johnson, recreational supervisor, said: “Since NaRS was introduced four years ago, participation has steadily grown and Tunstall Pool now has one of the biggest lifesaving clubs in North Staffordshire. Children have benefited from a range of skills from basic life support to rescue techniques. Several candidates have gone on to work as qualified life guards in the City Council’s swimming pools.”
With a high unemployment rate and wage levels below national average, for many people, access to local leisure facilities is very important to the region. The availability of a swimming pool helps encourage the general public to adopt a healthy physical lifestyle and to take part in water-based fitness activities, which is a message strongly promoted by the Tunstall team.
The Centre runs numerous award schemes for all ages and abilities including NaRS Cross and NaRS Gold Cross which are very popular with the teenagers and has also been very successful in promoting a swimming group for the disabled. The staff are keen to maintain their high level of activity and enthusiasm and to be recognised as a centre of excellence for NaRS for the region.
