23/07/2025

During a swimming lesson, Dave had a major cardiac arrest and suddenly fell unconscious in the shallow end of the main pool. Matt Hearne, Swim Teacher, quickly realised, shouted for help and entered the water to bring him to the side of the pool. The team of lifeguards on site activated the alarm and completed an assisted lift, while others quickly worked to clear the pools. 

Barry checked for breathing and his training soon kicked into action as he confidently began CPR, before Lee brought the defibrillator and the team worked together to use it. After completing three rounds of CPR and using the defibrillator, Dave started to regain consciousness. The team monitored him and placed him in the recovery position while waiting for the ambulance to take him to hospital. The team consisted of Barry Warren, Matt Hearne, Lester Searle, Ben Salt, Jackie Proe, Lee Tidey, Louise Tuppen. There is no doubt that Dave’s full recovery is down to the fantastic team at King Alfred Leisure Centre and their great NPLQ training and quick thinking!

The team have since met with the causality Dave and his wife May, who shared a few words about the team: “Dave and I cannot thank the team at the King Alfred enough. Their prompt action saved his life. When they realised Dave was in trouble they immediately sprang into action, getting him out of the water, doing CPR and using the defibrillator. The paramedics praised them for knowing exactly what to do and putting that knowledge into action. Had Dave’s cardiac arrest not happened in the King Alfred, with trained and knowledgeable staff, the outcome would have been very different. No words of praise and gratitude are enough for this amazing team!”