Fond farewells at Downpatrick School of Lifesaving

Fond farewells at Downpatrick School of Lifesaving

25 September 2019

DOWNPATRICK School of Lifesaving has said goodbye to two of its stalwarts.

It was an emotional occasion when presentations were made to  Yvonne Smyth and Rachel Kelly, who have bade farewell. 

Yvonne has been a member of Downpatrick School of Lifesaving for 15 years — the last 12 of them as a coach.  

During that time, Yvonne has been at the forefront of organising additional training for all our senior and junior coaches, especially in regards to disability and autism training. 

Her dedication to inclusion training was also recognised when she received the SANDSA (Sports Association of Newry, Down and South Armagh) Disability Coach of the Year Award.

A spokesman said: “Yvonne has been a huge asset to the club not only as a lifesaving and swimming teacher, but in her administration role within the club.

“She maintained the qualification and Access NI records of the coaches, ensuring all paperwork was correct.  Allied to this she registered the junior coaches with Volunteer Now. This ensured their service to DSL was recognised and certified.

“Her focus was the personal development of the young members of DSL from their initiation to lifesaving at six years of age until leaving for university or work with an impressive CV.

Rachel, one of the parent helpers, has been with Downpatrick School of Lifesaving for several years. In that time she has assisted with the administration, training of young coaches in relation to working with people with a disability and assisting parent helpers in their role with the club.

The spokesman added: “It is with a heavy heart that we at DSL say farewell to both ladies.  We offer Yvonne and Rachel and their family our best wishes and hope that they may be able to return at some time in the future.