RLSS Poole Lifeguard has proudly been a registered RYA Training Centre for Powerboat Handling for many years. This recognition allows us to provide internationally accredited training to our members, helping them begin their journey as crew members and progress to helm/coxswains of our safety boats, Legacy and Apollo.
Our Purpose
As a volunteer lifeguard club, our primary mission is to provide waterborne safety cover at a wide range of open water events each year—including swimming races, canoe competitions, triathlons, rowing regattas, and safety patrols along our foreshores. To achieve this, it is vital that our members are trained and qualified to operate our safety boats safely and professionally.
Instructor Development
Earlier this year, two of our experienced coxswains, David Perch and Tom McMahon, completed a four‑day RYA course to qualify as full RYA Powerboat Handling Instructors. Alongside Christopher Grant from RLSS Boscombe Lifeguards, they form part of our RYA Centre Trainer team, ensuring we can continue the long‑standing tradition of delivering high‑quality training.
Training Achievements
Between August and November, the team delivered six two‑day courses, enabling 12 members (8 from RLSS Poole Lifeguard and 4 from RLSS Boscombe Lifeguard) to achieve the coveted RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate.
Despite some challenging weather conditions, every candidate rose to the occasion—making their success even more impressive. While official RYA certificates were awarded at the end of each course, the Training Centre also presented each graduate with a commemorative A4 certificate poolside to mark their achievement.
Gratitude
A huge thank you goes to David Perch, Tom McMahon, and Christopher Grant for generously giving up their weekends to run these courses. Their dedication ensures our club remains strong, skilled, and ready to serve the community.
Also a massive thanks also goes to Mike Darkin who has been the custodian of the Club’s RYA Training Centre on behalf of the club, acting as our RYA Centre Principle for a good number of years keeping everything in tip top shape, ensuring we pass our annual RYA inspections, which in turn enables us to maintain our our RYC Training Centre status. Mike has decided to step aside to concentrate on other activities and family but will still be involved with the training centre. Thank you Mike for all that you have done for us. 🙂
Congratulations to Our Graduates
| RLSS Poole Lifegaurd Members | RLSS Boscombe Lifeguard Members |
| Daisy McMahon Ellen Shakles | Samuel Vacher George Stephens |
| Pippa Marchant Daniel Buckland | Kaden Chalke Alfred Stephens |
| Summer Southam Clare Southam | |
| Lola Mae Pilley Sophie Turner |
