by JENNY D’ANGER

WHEN a group of seven Fremantle 12-to-14 year olds finished years of training to achieve their lifesaving bronze medallion, elation was tinged with sadness.

They’d become good friends and developed a Facebook group, so the idea of not swimming together regularly was a dint in an otherwise great achievement.

“They said they were a tight group…and loved being around each other,” Fremantle Leisure Centre swim school coordinator Jo Foxton told the Herald.

The swim school has a number of programs including the junior life guard club the kids had just completed but there’s room for one more, she put to the youngsters.

“I suggested we organise for them to learn how to teach swimming and the skills towards life-guarding as they have a few years before they can do these courses.

“They have gone away and will come up with a name over the holidays.”

The annual holiday program is aimed at reducing WA’s horrific drowning rates, teaching kids as young as three to swim.

“The more kids in the swim class the less likelihood of drowning accidents,” Ms Foxton says.

The centre holds Learn to Swim classes all year round, with three lots of five-day classes over the January holidays.

For more information call 9432 9533.