Swimmers are being encouraged to take the plunge and sign up to learn lifesaving skills with a nationally recognised training course.

Dudley Council is offering the course at Halesowen Leisure Centre, Pool Road, Halesowen. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) is running the lifeguard courses which can pave the way for a new career or just equip people with essential skills.

The course runs from Monday 18th - Friday 22nd February 2019, with an exam taking place on the Friday.

Participants will receive a course manual and special tuition. Those who complete the course successfully will get an official lifeguard qualification and certificate. Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres said:

"These courses are always really popular and are a great way to earn a new qualification and widen your career prospects. People undertaking this training will learn essential lifesaving skills and can make a real difference when they take up work as a lifeguard.

"The RLSS accredited course means that those passing the test will have a qualification which is recognised by employers around the world.”

The courses are open for people 16 and over who will be expected to take a pre-arranged swimming test on 9th February at 9.30am. 

The course costs £200 and spaces must be pre-booked with a deposit required to secure a place. The remaining balance is to be paid before the course starts.

For more information go to dudley.gov.uk/sport or, to provisionally book a place, call the leisure centre on 01384 812800 or email emma.dunn@dudley.gov.uk.