A NEW initiative in Cornwall will try to save lives at the beach.

Surf Life Saving GB (SLSGB) in association with South West Water, has launched a new initiative in the South West among members aged from 14 to 16, called the Graduate Lifeguard Programme (GLP).

They will be responsible for increasing water safety awareness among their peers by giving a series of presentations to schools and clubs in the region.

There is a growing number of people drowning along the UK coast – a high proportion of whom are under 16 – and it is hoped these presentations will give this vulnerable group the information they need to be safe in the sea.

The GLP has been piloted in four surf life saving clubs including Lusty Glaze and Porthtowan in Cornwall.

The graduates will embark on a three-year programme to develop their lifesaving and sport leadership skills.

They undertake 12 units covering surf lifesaving skills, first aid, beach safety and personal development.

The programme culminates in the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification at the age of 16.

The programme has been designed to run in tandem with the Sports Leaders UK’s Young Leaders Award and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, giving each graduate the opportunity to learn invaluable life skills and gain qualifications to enhance their future education and career choices.

From April the Programme will be run out across another nine clubs with graduate lifeguards spreading the water safety message across an estimated 150,000 people.