LifeGuard Tony Coia
We are breaking our vital lifelines
A throwbag? Yes I have been known to hear people blurt out this question as if “why do I need one”. It is only a simple bag weighing little with about 20metres of rope in it, but more importantly it is a lifeline to rowers and rivers users.
As a professionally trained & employed lifeguard I only know the extreme importance of these simple small bags. I have saved many innocent lives in a supposed controlled safe poolside environment using one of these. The River Clyde is “Our dangerous friend” and suggests even more reason to carry and understand the correct use of a throw bag.
I have recently noticed the lack of throwbags or rescue equipment (although agreed through the Rules and Guidelines) being carried by some coaches and other rowing club members.
Glasgow City Council has invested in expert training and has equipped members of the parks department to understand and carry out water safety and rescue,
I lecture to Glasgow’s primary school children about water safety.
Yet some of the people who themselves may someday end up needing rescued or getting into trouble still refuse to carry a throw bag. They do not seem to understand the importance of this simple bag.
I feel that rowers & coaches have a duty of care to not only the people they train but to other river users, as we become busier on the River Clyde it is important to push home these points.
People must remember that when they are along the riverbanks wearing club colours they are very recognisable and must conduct themselves in a proper manner. It has been noted recently that coaches and other club members are climbing fences.
This is not only dangerous, but sends the wrong message to children.
We must all remember that the younger and less experienced learn and copy.
So when they see coaches without safety equipment or acting in an inappropriate manner they follow suit.
We must all remember that one-day it could be you that requires help and you may be extremely grateful that the next person you see on the riverbank is carrying a throwbag.
Antony D. Coia
Royal Lifesaving Society lifeguarding & lifesaving Trainer Assessor