Plymouth lifeguards shortlisted for water safety awards

A team of local lifeguards from Plymouth Life Centre have been shortlisted for the UK’s most important awards in water safety in recognition of their dedication to keeping the public safe around water.

The team beat competition from across the UK to be selected as finalists for the prestigious Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and IQL UK Awards 2016.

The awards recognise and celebrate the vital contribution made to water safety and drowning prevention. The team has been nominated for the Lifeguard Team of the Year award for saving the life of a young swimmer last November.

The swimmer, who lost consciousness under water, was noticed immediately by Daniel Crook who blew three whistles and quickly rescued the swimmer. Whilst Daniel was in the pool, the team sprang into action, some assisting with the incident, others clearing the other pools. An ambulance was called, an AED and pocket mask retrieved and the incident was segregated off from other swimmers on poolside. Colleagues assisting the incident had begun resuscitating the swimmer, who regurgitated a number of times. The swimmer started breathing again, regained consciousness and made a full recovery. Following the incident, the lifeguards have used the experience to educate other lifeguards in the team.

Daniel Crook and Charlie Abbott have also each been nominated for the Lifeguard of the Year award for their actions during the incident.

“We have been overwhelmed by the quality of entrants to this year’s awards and congratulate the lifeguarding team at Plymouth Life Centre on reaching the finals. The awards showcase some of the fantastic work being done to save lives, raise awareness and prevent drowning in and around pools,” says Martin Symcox, Director of IQL UK.

The winners will be announced at the RLSS UK & IQL UK Awards 2016, held on Friday 1 July at Staverton Park in Daventry.

For more information on RLSS UK & IQL UK Awards 2016, please visit the website at www.rlss.org.uk.