PRESS RELEASE

Fab Five save life

Five lifesaving citations were recently awarded by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) to three Thanet Leisureforce lifeguards and two RLSS Assessors for a rescue at Ramsgate Swimming Pool in July.

Graham Young suffered a cardiac arrest whilst swimming at the pool;  it just so happened that three beach lifeguards were undergoing National Beach Lifeguard assessment training when the incident occurred.

Thanet Leisureforce head lifeguard, Neil Morgan, was in the water at the time, raised the alarm and supported the casualty, Graham Young, in the deep end of the pool.  Kirk Lee, one of the assessors from Sussex, cleared the pool of members of the public.

Thanet Leisureforce Water Safety Supervisor, Chris Betts, trainer of the candidates taking their NBLQ award, called for an ambulance and comforted the casualty's wife, Mrs Young, and got as much information from her regarding her husband's condition and checked his locker for any medication.

Thanet Leisureforce lifeguard, Gary Pugh, the on-duty poolside lifeguard, entered the water and assisted Neil Morgan to tow the casualty to the shallow end where he was landed and checked for signs of breathing, which were absent.

Whilst on poolside Neil and Kirk continuously checked the casualty and delivered Expired Air ventilation when required.  Paramedics were on the scene quickly and Graham was relayed to hospital where he made a full recovery.

Kathy Batts, Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Assessor, was also present and not only witnessed this text book rescue but also became involved in the rescue herself.

Kathy is also President of the Kent Branch of the RLSS, she said "I was very impressed by the professionalism and application of good practice which clearly demonstrated the commitment of Leisureforce lifeguards in this training and application of the knowledge in a real life saving situation."  She went on to say that this was only the second time this year that citations have been awarded to Kent lifeguards.  The criteria for a citation of this type are extremely demanding and judged by an independent panel of the RLSS on recommendations from witnesses and investigation of the facts.

Their awards were presented at the Civic Centre by Deputy Leader, Councillor Bob Bayford on 9 November 2005.