Emergency met elegance as Prince Edward demonstrated his technical skills ahead of a meeting with Australian community services.
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The Duke of Edinburgh took the opportunity to swing a life-saving marine device to a dummy after being shown by an active service member dressed in his SES wet suit.
The prince was praised for having better than usual accuracy for a beginner, before he began poking fun at the wetsuit.
"Can I just thank you that you didn't get me kitted up in all of that, just so I could do that," he said in Sydney on Thursday.
Volunteers dubbed the royal 'HRH' as he toured the site, showing a specific interest in the Duke of Edinburgh Award participants.
One volunteer from the Orchard Hills Rural Fire Bridge surprised the prince when he explained he had learnt Latvian as part of his Duke of Edinburgh enrolment.
"That's what threw the curve ball at him and got everyone laughing," the volunteer said.
"He's travelled around the world and never heard that."
The prince was keen to discuss ways to get more young people involved in their communities, promoting the awards program as a way to link youths to volunteer work.
He met with leaders from public services organisations to try and deliver on that ambition.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a international program offering students the chance to boost their skills through challenges in sport and community work.
Made up of bronze, silver and gold levels, the program is completed by reaching a number of hours in required activities that are recognised by some employers and universities.
State Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said meeting participants brainstormed ideas to make the awards more accessible for students with varied and infrequent commitments.
The minister said Prince Edward was an active part of discussions that involved more than a dozen ministers and community service leaders.
"It was an excellent discussion," Mr Dib said.
"His Royal Highness was incredibly gracious in listening and offering his own views as well."
Several options are being explored to incentivise more youth involvement.
Australian Associated Press
