A VALE life-saving club marks its 40th anniversary this year and a number of members have been recognised for their hard work and dedication.
South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club, based at Pershore Leisure Centre, has been training its members since 1973.
It has gone from strength to strength since becoming the first volunteer club in the area to be affiliated to a national governing body, providing life saving cover for the whole country.
Vice-chairman Adrian Mayhew said: “The club was funded by Pershore Carnival to raise money for the swimming pool. There was a tragedy in the river Avon some years back and Win Summerton and John Smith wanted to raise money for a pool so people could learn to swim.” The club developed over the years with the help of committed members, who began to compete and finished 11th at the International Life Saving Foundation in 1994.
“It has been a fantastic success,” said Mr Mayhew, given two awards for his contribution for outstanding and significant contributions towards lifeguard operations. He has also been nominated to the World Life Saving Commission’s rescue committee.
Joining him are Alison Workman and Debbie Weston, who were awarded the Walter Bradford Memorial Award for their contribution towards swimming and water safety and Teresa Myatt and Hazel Leach, whose efforts have helped the group become one of the best-performing clubs in the region. For more information, visit swlifeguards.co.uk
