Rookie Lifesaving Programme

The Rookie Lifesaving Programme is the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) fun and educational pathway for children aged 9–12 years who want to learn essential water safety and lifesaving skills.

Designed as a progression from learn-to-swim lessons, the Rookie programme helps young people build confidence in and around water while developing the knowledge and skills that could one day help save a life.

 

What is the Rookie Programme?

The programme is split into three stages:

• Rookie Bronze

• Rookie Silver

• Rookie Gold

Each stage introduces age-appropriate lifesaving techniques, water safety awareness, and rescue skills, all taught in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment. In our club, we also encorporate the many 'bolt on' awards which the Rookie programme offers, these include Sport, Communications, First Aid & CPR, Beach and Paddle Boards. 

We think it is particulary important that our Rookies are comfortable in all types of water, and they are encouraged to take part in our Open Water sessions which we hold during the summer months.

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What will participants learn?

Rookies will learn:

• How to stay safe in and around water

• How to recognise hazards and risks

• Basic rescue techniques, including reaching and throwing rescues

• Floating, treading water, and safe entries

• Teamwork, communication, and responsibility

The programme also encourages personal development, helping children grow in confidence, discipline, and respect for water.

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Why choose Rookie Lifesaving?

• Builds strong water safety foundations

• Develops lifesaving awareness from an early age

• Ideal progression towards the National Lifesaving Academy awards

• Delivered by qualified instructors following RLSS UK standards

• Fun, active, and engaging for children of all abilities

 

Who is it for?

The Rookie Lifesaving Programme is suitable for children who are already competent swimmers, have good knowledge of all the strokes and are comfortable in deep water.