Approximately 73 students took part in the Royal New Zealand Lifesaving Society examinations at Jellie Park in Term 2.

All lifesaving training, with the exception of Distinction, is student-led. Throughout Term 1, senior students worked with groups of younger students to train them in the skills required for the various lifesaving awards, as well as attending training sessions to prepare for their own Lifesaving Award examinations.

On the morning of the examination, students arrived at the pool early in the morning, ready to demonstrate the skills they had learned during weeks of training sessions with their student instructors.

Students in Year 9 had prepared for the Bronze Star Award, whilst those in Year 10 were being examined for the Bronze Medallion.  Senior students were assessed against criteria for the Bronze Cross and the Award of Merit.

Students are examined on their knowledge of water safety, and how to correctly assist others who may be in difficulty, which they are required to demonstrate in the pool. They must also answer a range of theory questions relevant to the level of Award being assessed. 

Students in Year 11 and 12 demonstrated their skills as instructors as they were assessed for the Lifesaving Instructor qualification.

A group of Year 13 students completed the timed swim as part of their Distinction Award and continued attend further training sessions to prepare for the Distinction Award which they all gained successfully.

Once again the Examiners from the Royal Lifesaving Society were most impressed by the rescue skills of the students they assessed, as well as their knowledge of rescue techniques.  The Examiners also commented on the number of strong swimmers they saw amongst the girls participating.