Students from Katoomba High School have swapped swimming caps for hard hats, cricket whites for bright yellow uniforms and use sports afternoons to train as NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) cadets.

Late last summer five senior students who had already completed RFS cadetships approached Katoomba High principal Gail Ross about offering the program as a sport elective.

“I was so impressed with their knowledge, initiative and passion for the program,” said Ms Ross.

“Obviously the role of the Rural Fire Service in the Blue Mountains is critical in protecting our world heritage area, and to involve so many of our students in this training is not only great for our school but also for the local community.”

NSW RFS Blue Mountains district inspector Eric Berry, whose son Damien was one of the five ringleaders, said the students had all completed cadetships and were members of various local brigades.

“They even came up with the lesson plans, how they wanted the unit structured – in keeping with the guidelines. They got everything organised and we put a funding submission into the RFS to provide the personal protective equipment,” he said.

The RFS funds about $400 worth of equipment per student and provides adult firefighters who attend the school, overseeing student officers Matthew C, Karl Z, Luke A, Tim H and Damien B as they mentor the cadets.

“But by and large the boys – and all the boys who are running it are qualified firefighters themselves – are teaching the lessons under the guidance of a senior instructor,” Mr Berry said.

The program started in Term 2 this year and involves up to 25 students, as well as the mentors, who were given free time to prepare cadet lesson plans.

Mr Berry said the cadet program met education department sport criteria because ”it’s five per cent theory, 95 per cent practical” work and it also provided the seniors with excellent leadership opportunities.

The theoretical component includes understanding different types of fires and their behaviours, and practising radio operations and communications skills. Next year it is planned the program will include first aid certification.

The students also practise hose drills, fire extinguisher drills, fire hazard reduction techniques and equipment maintenance.

Although the cadetship prepares students for their Bush Firefighters Certificate, they cannot attend any incidents, including fires, storm damage or car accidents, until they are 16 years old and have their parents’ permission.

Student and cadet captain Karl Z said his RFS involvement inspired him to aim for a career in firefighting and to involve fellow students in the program.

“We’re training the younger cadets here, hoping they will become officers and take over when we leave school,” he said.