New site launched for keeping children safe

There's now a new way to get up-to-date, comprehensive information on safeguarding with the launch of the new website from the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board.

A must for those who work with or care for children, it boasts a wealth of information including how to spot signs and symptoms of maltreatment, training opportunities and guidance around serious case reviews as well as the newly-launched Hertfordshire Inter-agency Child Protection and Safeguarding Children Procedures. All existing binders, CDs and handbooks are no longer valid and should now be destroyed, as the new website provides all the information required - and will be kept regularly updated.

We all have a responsibility in the Branch to help keep vulnerable members of our community safe. This new website is a fantastic resource to help all of us do just that.”

Annual Report of 2009 published

lifesavers in hertfordshire President Rod Reeves today announced the availability of the Annual Report 2009 of the RLSS Hertfordshire Branch

Rod explained that the Annual Report in it's present form will be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Branch. This is to be held at Rickmansworth Sailing Club, West Hyde, Hertfordshire on Friday 18th June 2010, and will commence at 19.30

"Although the Report is published now, it is not until the report is adopted by the Branch Membership at the AGM that it becomes the final report of 2009", Rod explained

He continued "The Branch Management Committee make every effort to ensure that the document is as accurate as possible, but Members must have the opportunity to read, question and change the document if they so wish. Those changes are then incorporated into the final document"

The adopted Annual Report of 2009 will be published on the lifesavers in hertfordshire website as soon as possible after the Annual General Meeting.

Published on 16th June 2010

Lifesaving as a sport? Yes! On DVD

David "Blondie" Fielding has recently announced a new DVD that he has produced about Lifesaving Sport.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to advertise my new Lifesaving Sport DVD. This is the perfect training aid for experienced competitors and newcomers alike. Clear and concise chapters provide an introduction to nine of the most popular stillwater lifesaving events.

Each chapter starts with a description of the event; this is followed by step-by-step instructions so that you can learn the same techniques used by national champions.

Each chapter is illustrated with real video footage from real competitions – all accompanied by detailed notes to highlight key points.

The DVD is available for only £10 (which covers David's costs and the significant amount of time this took to put together).

Lifesaving Training Camp

The British Universities Life Saving Clubs' Association (BULSCA) is running a lifesaving training camp in Spain later this year and are extending invitations all individuals and Clubs to attend.

The trip is now in its 4th year and BULSCA hope that 2010 will be the best training camp ever! This year they willl be returning to the sandy shores of Oliva in Spain from 6-17 Sept 2010.

The trip will improve your fitness levels and help you develop the skills required for open-water life saving competitions. BULSCA also run team-building sessions, incident training and a mini competition on the final day to let you put everything you've learnt into practice!

The trip is open to members of BULSCA, the RLSS, the SLSGB and anyone else with relevant experience and an interest in competitive open water life saving. BULSCA cater for all levels of ability (though the trip is only open to those aged 18+), so whether you are completely new to open water training or are a world champion ironman, the trip has something to offer! The trip costs just £250 which includes accommodation, training, food (on training days), transport to/from the airport and trip kit (rash vest and swimming hat).

Open water dates for 2010 published

lifesavers in hertfordshire Open Water Officer, Darren Foreman, has now finalised the arrangements for the 2010 Open Water sessions.

Darren has again arranged that as much opportunity for all Members to undetake the Bronze and Silver Cross is available by organising sessions in the East and West of the lifesavers in hertfordshire area.

The first session of 2010 will be held on Friday 18th June 2010 at Troy Lake, the home of the Rickmansworth Sailing Club, located at West Hyde, Rickmansworth, Herts. This session will commence at 5.00pm. The second session will be on Saturday 17th July 2010, commencing at 11.00am, at the Young Mariners Sailing Base at Cheshunt.

In announcing these two sessions, Darren emphasised the necessity for those who are planning to attend either session that they must let him know, so that he can ensure that sufficiant Assessors and lifeguard cover is in place.

Further information is available on the lifesavers in hertfordshire website. Booking to attend is also available online via the website.

Published on 30th April 2010

Annual General Meeting 2010 of lifesavers in hertfordshire announced

lifesavers in hertfordshire announce that the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Life Saving Society - Hertfordshire Branch will be held on Friday 18th June 2010 at Rickmansworth Sailing Club, Troy Lake, West Hyde, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. The Meeting will commence at 19.30.

National Honours are to be worn

The Meeting is open only to Members of the Society nationally via the Hertfordshire Branch, as well as representatives of Group Members.

Published on 15th April 2010

Yak issue throw bag safety notice

lifesavers in hertfordshire have recently learnt that Yak, part of the Crewsaver group of companies, have published a safety recall notice in respect of some models of their Yak Throw Bag product. The Yak models affected are 6222-15, 6222-20 and 6222-25. The top image shows the type of bag that this recall relates to.

The recall relates to a small number of throw bags, where the rope consists of two pieces which have been joined. (A "joined" rope is shown in the lower image.) During use, it is possible that the join will fail.

Ice Danger!

With the severe cold weather that the UK is currently experiencing, lifesavers in hertfordshire republishes the advice given in 2008 about the danger of ice.

Never venture onto frozen ponds and lakes, no matter how safe it looks.

Lifesavers, The Royal Life Saving Society UK recommends the following advice:

If you see someone fall through the ice:

1. Shout for assistance and send for the emergency services.
2. Stay off the ice.
3. Shout to the casualty to keep still.
4. Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, a tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that extends your reach.
5. When reaching for the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice.
6. If you cannot reach them, slide something that floats like a rescue buoy across the ice for them to hold on to stay afloat.
7. If the casualty is out of reach, wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring them.

After the casualty has been rescued from the ice:

1. Make sure the ambulance is on its way.
2. Lay them flat, check their breathing and pulse and begin resuscitation if necessary.
3. Prevent them from getting colder by putting them in a sleeping bag or covering them including their head, with blankets or spare clothing.
4. Get them under shelter out of the cold.
5. Until the casualty is in a warm place do not undress them.
6. Do not rub their skin, apply hot water or give an alcoholic drink.
7. Keep them wrapped up so that they warm up gradually.

If you fall through the ice:

1. Keep calm and call for help.
2. If no help is available spread your arms across the surface of the ice.
3. If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice.
4. Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank.
5. If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore.
6. If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible.
7. Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together.
8. Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check up.

Published on 3rd January 2010

Branch Treasurer vacancy now filled

The lifesavers in hertfordshire Management Committee today announced the immediate appointment of Ann Huntingford as Treasurer.

As this is an appointed position, the Branch Membership will be required to formally elect Ann to this position at the Annual General Meeting to be held later this year.

Published on 1st January 2010