The Grey Medallion® is back

Many of us retire on the Coast dreaming of throwing in a line, relaxing by the pool and kayaking in the calm waterways. Many care for grandchildren over holidays or frail family, or work from home. We all visit the beaches. But accidents can happen. Do we know what to do in an emergency? Do we know how to help someone?

This is where the Royal Life Saving Society award, the Grey Medallion® fits in.

“The Grey Medallion® is not a swimming award, and you don’t have to be able to swim or even be fit to do it,” explained Course Facilitator Patricia Barry.

“The two-day course teaches people water wise skills, how to deal with emergency situations, undertake CPR, use a defibrillator, and undertake what we call ‘dry rescues’, where you don’t need to even get into the water. We also include a section on water familiarisation for those who look after littlies.

“The course covers some basic First Aid and how to deal with the marine stings that we can get on the beach here,” continued Patricia.

This course has been sponsored by BreakFree Resort in Caloundra and Accountants United and it’s run by the Life Savers of Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club. In previous years the course has seen many hinterland residents attend, due to their local use of lakes, lagoons and freshwater areas.

The two-day weekend Grey Medallion ® course will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August between 9am and 4pm, at Grand Pacific BreakFree Resort in Caloundra. It is free, but donations are much appreciated.

To book, fill in the on-line enrolment form at caloundracity.org.au This course has been very popular in previous years, places are limited, and pre-enrolment is essential.