Peter Purves is a successful English television presenter and actor. He played Steven Taylor in Doctor Who and later became a presenter on the BBC children's programme, Blue Peter, a position he held for 11 years.

He was a lifeguard early in his career and said about his time, "my school in Blackpool was very keen on swimming, and we had buses to take us to the Derby Baths on the North Shore and, being an Olympic size pool, it was a wonderful place to learn and practice my skills. Our swimming coach was very supportive and, at 15, I was asked to go for my Bronze badge, Silver, and then finally to try for the Advanced badges. All of which I sailed through."

"One of the first times I had to use my lifesaving skills was when I joined the Blue Peter TV programme. The film that I made upon joining, was shot at Crystal Palace baths in South London, where I taught John Noakes and Valerie Singleton the rudiments of Lifesaving. Luckily, they were both compliant in being rescued - I do not think punching John (or Valerie for that matter) would have gone down very well!"

"Being a strong swimmer is an essential element, and also keeping calm in a situation where the person in trouble may be thrashing about wildly and grabbing at anything to keep afloat. In those days, we were not as skilled in using floats and other equipment. The skills and bravery of lifeguards are to be admired - and what better way for a fit young person to give something to society? It is invaluable work and I wholeheartedly support the Royal Life Saving Society UK in all their effort countrywide."

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