Story:Munnebah Waheed | Photo:YCA
Since July 2015, the Yemeni Community Association (YCA) has provided the opportunity for women to gain an accredited qualification and to become qualified pool lifeguards on satisfactory completion of the exam.
Sessions have been taking place at Concord Sports Centre, with the ladies having weekly lessons on Tuesday, consisting of both the theory and practical element of lifeguarding. Whilst on the course, the ladies have covered and learnt various lifeguarding techniques and have had full First Aid training.
The course was piloted and pushed by the YCA who after completing various surveys and listening to the community found that there was a lack of facilities and accommodation for ladies to pursue sports; specifically swimming.
The YCA found that women – and in particular women from BME communities – had limited opportunities to participate in sports such as swimming due to issues such as pools being staffed by male lifeguards, which some ladies were uncomfortable with. As a result, funding was secured by the YCA to invest in swimming lessons and lifeguard training, essentially equipping women with the tools to empower themselves.
The course was coordinated by Usha Blackham, says:
“I wanted to give the ladies an opportunity to empower themselves and engage with sports and activities. This [lifeguard training] is an untapped resource and these women will now have better employability too, as there is a chance of lifeguard employment after.”
The ladies attending the course spoke to the Messenger too, many of them expressing their passion and zeal to succeed.
Huda said:
“I want to help myself and the community. This is a fantastic opportunity and everyone has worked and tried so hard to achieve.”
Others echoed the sentiment:
“I’ve always had issues trying to find a pool with female lifeguards and this has stopped me from swimming many times in the past. By qualifying as a lifeguard myself, I’m not only making it easier for myself but for others too.”
The class will be taking their theory and practical examinations soon, and the Burngreave Messenger wishes them success.