Cadets

GAFIRS is unique amongst comparable rescue organisations in that it has an active multi-gender Cadet section. Open to any young adult aged 14-18, GAFIRS Cadets are an integral part of our organisation and many develop such an interest in the ethos of lifesaving, that they go on to become emergency service professionals or follow a military service career pathway.

Our Cadet training scheme is designed to promote personal health and fitness, team working, and generate respect for other individuals, for a community ethos, and of course for the sea. Most importantly, our training scheme is designed to be both challenging and fun.

On joining GAFIRS Cadets strive to achieve the following qualifications:-

Armed with basic first aid, communications, water safety and rescue skills, our Cadets begin to actively contribute to our service. Cadets can be expected to participate in SAR exercises, lifeguarding duties both on the sea and inland, lifeboat launches and fundraising, educational or public relations events. Additionally, our Cadets even compete for National Lifesaving awards, deliver first aid at public events and many, when they reach the tender age of 18, go on to become active lifeboat crew members.

Interested in Joining?

We are intensely proud of our Cadet section. It is highly respected in our communities, highly commended by industry and supported in numerous ways by local people. In the past Cadet membership has helped many to complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards then prepare for career development, before competing effectively for main stream employment.

Training usually takes place on Sunday's between 11am and 5pm. Poolside training occurs on a Monday evening between 7pm and 9pm. During the summer months additional training is scheduled for Wednesday evenings.

We welcome both male and female Cadets at any age between 14-18, so if you would like to join or are interested in learning more about being a GAFIRS Cadet, please visit the Join Us page to find out how. You won't regret it…