To further promote the mission of saving lives and encourage more people to work as lifeguards, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will roll out Integrated Certificates Courses on Life Saving at selected District Leisure Services Offices starting in June.

The department noted that this is the first time it is introducing such courses on a pilot basis and it hopes it will enable participants to take part in a series of bridging programmes on life-saving under a “through-train” mode and streamline the enrolment process to obtain the relevant qualifications at a faster pace.

The two courses include the Integrated Certificates Course on Pool Life Saving Training and the Integrated Certificates Course on Pool & Beach Life Saving Training.

The Pool Life Saving Training, a 93-hours course that costs $810, will cover examinations for the Bronze Medallion, Certificate in First Aid, Certificate in Aquatic First Aid and the Pool Lifeguard Award.

The Pool & Beach Life Saving Training, a 152-hours course that costs $1,310, will cover examinations for the Open Water Rescue Basic Certificate, the Canoe Rescue Award and the Beach Lifeguard Award.

People aged 16 or above and those who are able to pass the water tests in the first lesson can join the courses.

A half price concession is available to eligible full-time students. Participants will be awarded with certificates upon completion and passing of the examinations. They could apply for civil service or non-civil service contract lifeguard posts with reference to their qualifications acquired.

The department pointed out that the courses will enhance the life-saving standard in Hong Kong and further ensure the safety of water sports.

Enrolment for the courses via the District Leisure Services Offices, leisure venues with Leisure Link Services, Leisure Link Internet services and self-service kiosks will start from May 8 on a first come, first served basis.

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