Youngsters learning to save lives at sea got their first hands-on experience with state-of-the-art first aid training kit on Saturday.

Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club has invested in a mannequin that gives users instant feedback on their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique.

It was funded by £1,000 from county councillor Stuart Hughes’ locality budget, which was matched by a grant from Sidmouth Town Council.

Club chairman Dave Manley said: “This piece of equipment ensures those learning on it develop the very best possible lifesaving skills.

“This will enable our 100 club members to deliver effective CPR to save a life of any member of the community who, for example, is suffering a heart attack.

“This in turn meets the club’s objective to develop young people to be community role models and lifesaving ambassadors, both in and out of the ocean.”

Dave said the mannequin will allow members to work towards first aid qualifications that could boost their employment prospects – and could help them save the life of a family member, friend or member of the public.

It will also be used to ensure that club coaches and helpers are regularly trained in CPR to maintain health and safety standards for club activities.

This will allow the club to expand and help it support and host community events.

Councillor Hughes said: “I’m delighted to have been able to support this initiative. Lifesaving skills are so important, especially in a popular coastal destination like Sidmouth.

“We are now hearing a lot about the effects of ‘cold water shock’ and this state-of-the-art training mannequin will help train our dedicated life saving club members to deal with this – making Sidmouth one of the safest places to bathe and swim.”

Town council chairman Cllr Ian McKenzie-Edwards added: “It was my pleasure to attend a training session of the surf lifesaving club.

“Watching some of the activity in the water showed the young people are keen and enthusiastic.

“It was rewarding also to see the equipment funded being put to such good use. It is one of the pleasures of the council to support such a thriving club.”