AFTER a tight competition between Devon’s Lifesaving Clubs at the second Bovey Tracey Lifesaving Club Fun Festival, Okehampton Otters secured third place.

This result was particularly good as the ‘awesome Otters’ were in the Year 5 and 6 category despite some being younger.

The Bovey outdoor pool was 28 degrees centigrade, the sun shone.

Alison Gidlow coached the team of Isabelle, Matilda, Molly and Ruby through a mix of 25m swimming, lifesaving and fun events. The woggle race, with all four team members astride, created the biggest laughs while the baby held clear of the water was demanding.

The paddle board race was difficult because the board’s width was greater than the racers’ arms; a strong leg kick was a great advantage.  Okehampton Otters will be holding its own event in the series next spring.

The Rookie Lifesavers have done particularly well this term under the tutelage of their enthusiastic assistant instructors guided by Alison Gidlow and Tony Clark. Swimming ability has improved, survival techniques practised and rescue skills learnt.

Tony Clark told Times Sport: ‘Sadly, all too often there are reports of drownings. Around 400 people needlessly drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences.

‘Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK.

‘Okehampton Otters offers children aged 8 to 11, who can already swim two lengths, the opportunity to learn how to swim safely amongst friends and with fun.

’The Royal Lifesaving Society medallion candidates have just completed their gold medallion after a year’s work with David Bowles. It won’t be long before they appear in the pool’s hot seat as lifeguards once they have achieved their National Pool Lifeguard Quali-fication  (NPLQ).

‘Others will use the training to support their Duke of Edinburgh Award. The candidates particularly enjoyed scenarios reflecting real life incidents requiring them to assess the situation, the equipment available, people to help and their ability to safely carry out a rescue.

‘We wouldn’t want one of our members to risk their life to save someone other than by a safe method – ideally not entering the water or making physical contact.  A new course, for youngsters aged 12, will start on September 8.’

n For more information contact Tony Clark by email at clark.zeal@

outlook.com. The Lifesavers meet at Parklands Leisure Centre, Okehampton every Friday in term time from 6pm to 7pm. The first session on September 8 is free.