19/01/2026

Would you know what to do if, whilst swimming off a boat in the open ocean, it suddenly pulled away? 

This is the situation Walter Keeler, aged 9, found himself in during a recent family holiday in Türkiye. The leisure boat they were on had stopped to let holidaymakers swim off the side, and Walter, being a strong swimmer, was one of the first to jump in.  

Walter has been taking lessons at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, operated by More Leisure Community Trust, in partnership with Serco Leisure, since October 2020. He swims twice a week with the Advanced+ and Academy classes. In these lessons, Walter has learned both stroke techniques and crucial lifesaving and water safety skills through the RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard programme.  

Walter’s mum was preparing to join him when the boat’s engine abruptly started, and the boat began to move away quickly. She said, “I was panicking. … I realised I was too far to reach him if anything went wrong.” 

When Walter realised the boat was moving farther away amid the choppy waves, he drew on his training to stay safe. He recalls, “Even though I was scared, I remembered my Rookie Lifeguard lessons, so I flipped onto my back and floated to save my energy. I’d remembered ‘don’t panic.’ I am so grateful to all my swim teachers and my drowning prevention lessons.” 

Floating is a lifesaving skill for self-rescue and an essential part of the Water Safety Code. It looks different for everyone, and RLSS UK supports the World Health Organisation’s call to ‘Find Your Float’ by tilting your head back, relaxing your breathing, and slowly moving your hands and legs. 

Safely back at home, Walter has been recognised with a Certificate of Bravery from SMS and the Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation from the RLSS UK. Laura Sinclair, swimming teacher at SMS, said, “Walter’s ability to remain calm under pressure and apply his training in a real-life situation highlights the importance of teaching young swimmers not just how to swim, but how to stay safe in unexpected circumstances.” 

Walter’s mum agrees, adding, “The training is why we’ve always had confidence in him. As careful as we are, things can happen beyond your control. But because of what he’s learned, he had the ability to stay safe in a situation that could’ve gone very differently.” 

The RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard programme began in the 1980s to offer 8–12-year-old swimmers an opportunity to build confidence, learn teamwork and respond to emergency situations with lifesaving skills. The programme helps to ensure everyone can enjoy water safely. 

Find out more about the RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard programme