AN organisation which has provided life-saving training to hundreds of people from across the Lake District is under threat of closing.

The Kendal Lifesaving Club, made up of a group of retired police officers, teachers and outdoor pursuit instructors, has been operating in the area for 32 years but warned this week it will soon not be viable to continue if more people do not enrol on its courses.

The club operates from Kendal Leisure Centre and in the past has offered courses for mothers with young babies as well as CPR classes with the WI, alongside giving children the skills needed to prevent drowning.

Mr Starkey said last year there were only two participants and hoped around 20 would take part this year when the courses begin in September.

"The closing of the club would be a loss of a facility to parents in the community, and we would hope that they could encourage their children to take-up the training for the coming year," said former police officer Ron Starkey, who has been president of the Cumbria branch of the Royal Life Saving Society for three years.

"Unfortunately there has been a fall away in candidates for the R.L.S.S. awards to such an extent that is causing consideration to whether continuation from next September would be viable.

"Since the teaching of lifesaving skills was discontinued by schools in the county several years ago, clubs like this have remained the prime source for providing candidates with the confidence to respond to water incidents which may result in drowning; and they also benefit from the physical activity of swimming.

"For some reason over the years there has been a massive depletion. Maybe it is something to do with the amount of time young people spend in front of the computer - physical activity is not a priority any more."

"The club has in the past received grants which helped subsidise the fees. However these have not been forthcoming recently."

Get involved by contacting Mr Starkey on 01539 725622 or visit www.rlss.org.uk to find out more.