Rookies in brief...

• A club for children to learn lifesaving
• Fun pool-based sessions, with trips to the beach in the summer
• Rookies is NOT swimming lessons!
• Suitable for children aged 6-12
• Perfect springboard into Lifesaving Sport and becoming a lifeguard
• Great social events for children and parents!

Rookies in detail...

Rookie Lifesaving is aimed at 6-12 year-olds to provide a fun and safe way to learn lifesaving skills and water safety.

NSVL Rookies has more than 60 members and runs throughout the year at Whitley Bay Leisure Pool. During the summer months Rookies get to visit the beach and learn how to put their skills to the test for real.

Children can join at any age from 6 upwards, and progress through a series of Star Grade badges. By age 12, children are ideally placed to continue on with their lifesaving activities and move onto the senior lifesaving and lifeguarding awards - all of which are available at NSVL.

Learning doesn't have to be boring! Based in the pool and at the beach, Rookies get to practise skills in a fun learning environment. Sessions usually include a mix of swimming, lifesaving skills, personal safety, and resuscitation.

During the school holidays there are mini-competition nights where the Rookies can put their skills to the test, along with a free fun session at the end of each term.

Each group is led by one of NSVL's qualified Lifesaving Trainers who have years of lifeguard and teaching experience. All trainers are police-cleared in line with our Child Protection Guidelines.

Trainers are supported by qualified Assistant Teachers, who are usually ex-Rookies (age 14+). As younger Rookies pass through the system they too get the opportunity to become Assistant Teachers which is an excellent qualification to put on university applications.

How to join Rookies

New Rookies should generally meet the minimum swimming requirement of:

A waiting list is in operation for new Rookies. Wherever possible children will be slotted in as soon as possible. Please click here to register for the waiting list.

The cost per session for pool enty is £2.00. If your child decides to continue he/she must become a member of NSVL. Current membership rates are £5 per year for Rookies.

In order to progress through the awards system it is essential that Rookies attend regularly, gfor those who do their place is guaranteed throughout the programme and beyond. However, if 4 consecutive weeks are missed without notification then their place will be forfeited.