Teams at four leisure centres across England have received Certificates of Meritorious Action from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), congratulating them on successfully rescuing customers who had gotten into distress whilst using the centres within the last few months.

The teams at Lex Leisure and 1Life leisure centres undergo rigorous training to ensure they can competently supervise public swimming sessions and provide support to all customers as and when required.

The teams' handling of the incidents is a testament to their dedication to learning and applying the skills they have been taught.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, Bristol

On Tuesday, 11 March, an 84-year-old man got into difficulty whilst swimming at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre in Bristol. Quickly jumping into action, lifeguards hit the pool alarm, identifying that a pool rescue was taking place.

Utilising an assisted lift, the casualty was removed from the water by the Duty Manager and a swimming teacher, who were around the pool at this time. The lifeguard team immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) whilst the Centre Manager retrieved the on-site Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Throughout the rescue, the entire lifeguarding team assisted in getting other members of the public out of the pool and the wider area to reduce panic.

The casualty commenced breathing and was placed in the recovery position, but a few minutes later, it was evident to the team he had not stabilised and required further aid. CPR recommenced, and AED shocks were administered until paramedics arrived around 10 minutes after care provisions started. The gentleman was eventually stabilised and airlifted to Bristol Royal Infirmary. Since the incident, the customer has been doing well and is looking forward to starting cardiac rehabilitation classes at the centre.

Willesden Sports Centre, London

A day later, at Willseden Sports Centre in London, a lifeguard noticed an 18-year-old man had sunk underwater and failed to rise to the surface, so they dove in to perform a rescue. The lifeguard team, alongside the teenager's swimming teacher, pulled him from the pool where he was found not to be breathing.

Additional trained centre staff who arrived poolside initiated CPR and gave two shocks via the AED. Paramedics arrived around 10 minutes after the initial call, and by this point, the casualty had been sick but was breathing again.
After the casualty was supported by paramedics, an air ambulance and two doctors on site, he left breathing and was transferred to the hospital, where he made a full recovery. The customer has ongoing health needs, including suffering from seizures, and following the incident, it was identified that he had suffered a seizure whilst swimming at the centre.

He recently enjoyed a holiday with his family following the incident.

Bingham Arena, Nottinghamshire

On 18 March at Bingham Arena in Nottinghamshire, reports were brought to reception that a man had collapsed in the changing rooms. The team rushed to the area where the casualty was found unconscious, lying face down. A Recreation Assistant was first on the scene, rolled him onto his back, checked his airways and moved him into the recovery position.

While monitoring him, it was noticed that the casualty had stopped breathing, so two lifeguards assisted the recreation assistant and began providing CPR with support from an off-duty nurse and doctor, as well as other customers who happened to be using the centre that day. The AED was used, including two shocks alongside an estimated eight minutes of CPR. The casualty started breathing again as paramedics arrived. The customer had a short stay in hospital following the incident, and has since made a full recovery, continuing to attend the Sub Aqua group at the centre.

Rushcliffe Arena, Nottinghamshire

A month later, on 25 April, the lifeguard on duty noticed a man sinking in the pool at Rushcliffe Arena, Nottinghamshire. He quickly entered the pool and raised the alarm for support from further lifeguards on site, who assisted him in getting the casualty safely to the poolside.
There were signs of agonal or laboured breathing, and so CPR was started. After approximately two minutes of CPR, the casualty began breathing again and was returned to the recovery position. Paramedics soon arrived and took over his care, believing he had suffered from a stroke, which initiated the medical emergency. An air ambulance arrived, and the casualty was taken away for further care. The customer remained in the hospital for a few weeks for tests before returning home and will receive ongoing medical support. An impressive 27 lifeguards, swim instructors, and staff received Commendations for Meritorious Actions of Lifeguards, Certificates of Commendations, and Certificates of Recognition, respectively, from the RLSS UK.

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