FUN BEACH EVENT FOR CHILDREN

BUDDING young lifesavers have the opportunity to try their hand at the sport.

Queensland Lifesaving is running a two-day Little Lifesavers program starting on Thursday at The Strand. Held at the Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the actionpacked program aims to introduce children to the skills needed to be a lifesaver.

Community awareness coordinator for North Barrier and North Queensland Jessica Roberts said Little Lifesavers introduced children to different skills, including board paddling, wading, dolphin diving, beach sprints, flags, rescue techniques, patient care and CPR.

“At the end of the two days they get a certificate and a Little Lifesavers pack,“Ms Roberts said.

She said it was important that children growing up in Townsville and North Queensland were surf and water safe.

“Growing up on the coastline we do need to ensure that children know how to handle themselves in the water and do know how to signal for help if they are in trouble,” Ms Roberts said.

The program runs from 8am to noon on Thursday and Friday and cost is $175.

To enrol go to lifesaving.com.au/courses-andprograms/community-programs/ little-lifesavers

Queensland Lifesaving community awareness coordinator North Queensland Jessica Roberts and Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club nipper Clementine Allen, 13, hope there will be a big turnout for the Little Lifesavers program on The Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan