A JUNIOR pair from Okehampton Otters came third in a challenging and testing competition.  The Devon Lifesaving Championships challenged Okehampton Otters to deal with realistic emergencies on land and in Exeter's Middlemoor swimming pool, as well as testing their speed in assisting others. Instructor Tony Clark said: 'This is the first time that we have entered the competition. 'Emilia and Rosie came third in the junior pairs and I was delighted with the way in which they worked together to put the skills that they have learned into practice. The situations were realistic, challenging, requiring rapid thought, clear priorities and excellent first aid and rescue skills. 'Sadly, around 450 people in the UK drown every year. The thriving otters lifesavers help young people to understand the hazards and risks, look after themselves and to assist if a problem arises.' The three representatives of the club go on to the next round this weekend at the South West Championships. Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club will run training for the Royal Life Saving Society Save and Survive and Rookies awards starting at Parklands Pool, Simmons Park on Friday, September 12 from 6pm to 7pm. The Survive and Save Programme is a progression of bronze, silver and gold awards that teach, challenge and develop skills and knowledge in aquatic survival, rescue, sport and fitness. The training focusses on water safety as well as personal survival and fitness. Learning to help others is achieved through first aid training, rescue techniques and maintaining the safety of the rescuer.  The Rookie Lifeguard programme instils in 8 to 12-year-olds the need for safety when in or close to water, survival techniques and how to help others. Key to these skills are improving swimming ability and developing fitness.  For further information or to register your interest contact Tony Clark at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 840283.