Vale MP Alun Cairns met children of all ages involved in surf lifesaving at a packed training session and open evening held by Rhoose Surf Lifesaving Club at Fontygary.
The club has been operating since 1968, and has members from across the Vale of Glamorgan and all age groups. The group regularly competes in competitions across the country and internationally, and counts a number of world champions among its members.
Mr Cairns was given a full tour of the impressive facilities, and saw a demonstration of the activities the club undertakes. The Vale MP also met members at an evening barbecue where he spoke to thank all the adult members for the work they do providing activities for the young members.
Simon Parker, Club Captain from Rhoose Surf Lifesaving Club said: “On behalf of the club I would like to thank Alun Cairns MP for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us. All members from the club welcomed the opportunity to show Mr. Cairns the skills they cover throughout the year. And with a fine and warm evening we finished the summer season with a very enjoyable barbeque.”
Mr Cairns said: “I was delighted to have been invited to visit Rhoose Surf Lifesaving Club. It was such a pleasant surprise to see such a large club so well organised and incredibly popular. This is the sort of club I would have loved to have gone to as a child. What particularly impressed me was learning that through the summer months volunteers are putting on activities seven days a week for children across a wide age range.
“Clubs like Rhoose Surf Lifesaving teach the value of teamwork, how to be safe in the water and invaluable first aid training delivered by experts. A highlight was meeting life member Dave Wedlakewho has been with the club since 1968, and is still very active today. I cannot overestimate how impressed I was with such a positive atmosphere at the club.”