Local pool supervisor Cameron McFarlane this week began a tour of more schools across the area to teach pupils the finer points of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Mr McFarlane, who has resuscitated no fewer than five people through CPR, said the lead-up to the new swimming season was the ideal time to teach children.

“The aim is to make children more aware of CPR and what to do in certain situations where someone may be in need of help,” he said. “Every minute counts in trying to save a life and everyone – even children – should have an understanding of the right things to do in those situations.”

The program, run for the last four years by Tamworth Regional Council, will this year see Mr McFarlane teach CPR to about 1400 children.

“It’s great to be able to spread the CPR message further and it’s good to be visiting some of the region’s smaller outlying schools, as well as the ones in Tamworth,” he said.

Last year, the Royal Life Saving Society recognised Mr McFarlane for his “outstanding service in promoting life saving and water safety education”.