PLANS to launch a surf life-saving club in Colwyn Bay have taken an important step forward as a number of local organisations join forces to launch a special community training event.

Conwy County Borough Council, Colwyn Bay Watersports, the RNLI and Surf Life Saving Club of Wales plan to hold a life-saving weekend to give local people support in setting up the club and to train as lifesavers.

The programme begins on Thursday August 2 with a taster demonstration of surf lifesaving on Colwyn Bay beach with support from the RNLI’s inshore boat and rescue teams. The event runs between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

On Friday August 3 volunteers who have shown an interest in becoming surf life-savers will be invited to Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre to gain an insight into the water rescue techniques and what would be required of them to attain their surf life-saving qualifications.

Following these introductory sessions those still interested will have the opportunity to be part of the lifesaving team and train future volunteers and club members.

The first of the water based and theory courses will take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday August 6 followed by first aid training Skills taught over the two weekends will include basic life-saving, CPR, communication, environmental factors and sea rescue.

Everyone taking part will be working towards the internationally recognised National Vocational Beach Life Guard qualification and Surf Lifesaving Wales Level 1 and Level 2 Beach Lifeguard Awards.

Mark Treleavan-Jones who is assisting in the launch of the club said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to get involved in something which will make a real difference to people visiting the beach in Colwyn Bay.”