Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2010 -- The Phuket International Academy (PIA) is setting new standards for high level water safety training for the island’s pool and beach lifeguards with the launch of a specialised international lifesaving and first aid course, the first of its type in Phuket.

The course was launched just three weeks ago and has already signed up some of the island’s leading hospitality brands such as Sala Phuket, JW Marriott, Anantara and Renaissance as well as Phuket’s leading security manpower firm, Siam Guardian Services.

With water safety a key component of any holiday or residential community in an island environment, PIA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nick Seaver, said taking the lead and lifting standards in all areas of life saving and associated first aid techniques was the core aim of the programme. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piaslc/

Courses will take place at PIA’s aquatic complex which includes 50 metre and 25 metre pools built to FINA standards. On-going training is provided both at PIA and at beach locations so that both pool and ocean rescue techniques can be practised.

“We are committed to raising the water safety standards on Phuket to an international level and intend not only to hold courses but to also provide ongoing training programmes for all lifeguards,” Mr Seaver said.

“Our ongoing training is designed to provide weekly training sessions to all lifeguards with the intention of improving their swimming ability and continually practising lifeguard rescue techniques.”

The PIA instructional course offers five levels, beginning from school-aged children to adults with instructors who are certified by the American Red Cross with course lengths varying from two days to four days.

Barrie Buck of Siam Guardian Services praised the PIA for taking the lead on the island towards a structured and well-planned water safety programme and has already had 10 guards graduate from course in March.

“Every place we supply security guards has a water feature, so we need our guards to be able to provide professional safety assistance if it is required,” Mr Buck.

“It is so important for us to have all the guards comfortable around water.”

The PIA also encompasses an exclusive international day school and the water safety and first aid courses form an integral part of the curriculum for students there as well.