By Julie Waters
A TEAM of Bangor Aurora lifeguards dived into national success when they were crowned UK champions at a prestigious competition.
The six strong team, made up of captain Robbie Milling, Kyle McGhee, Luke Kelly, Heidi McBride, Rhys Smith and Alex Burns travelled to the iconic Stoke Mandeville Stadium to represent the Bangor aquatic centre.
Together, they competed in the 16th Serco Leisure Lifeguard Games, held in connection with the Royal Life Saving Society, an event that brings together lifeguard teams from across the UK.
For the past four years, the competition has been held at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, and is made up of a series of physical and mental challenges that test every element of a lifeguard’s skillset.
Each year the event has a different set of tasks, with competitors facing reaction tests, pool-based challenges, wet and dry incidents to test teamwork and first aid and a four-minute CPR challenge.
This year’s winning lifesavers all work at the Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, which is operated by Northern Leisure Community Trust (NLCT) in partnership with Serco Leisure.
Robbie Milling, duty manager and lifeguard assessor, was delighted to captain the team. “This was the first time we had taken part in the competition since the Covid-19 pandemic.
With a total of 12 teams taking part, Robbie said it was a challenge and a test of everyone’s skills and abilities.
“All of the other teams taking part were really good,” he said.
Robbie explained that his team undertake lifeguard training once a month which includes various things such as CPR, first aid and in water rescues.
But while the event didn’t get off to a good start for the Bangor team, they roared back to claim the title.
“The first event was a lane rope building relay and we came last,” said Robbie. “That triggered some extra competitiveness and helped us lock in for the rest of the event.
After taking second place in the pool relay, Robbie said: “At the half way stage we knew we were in with a chance, so we just wanted to lock in and get it done.
“What won it for us were the pool scenarios and we had to complete an emergency scenario. As we have such a high standard of lifeguard training we were able to place first.
“In the dry side emergency scenarios, we had somebody collapsed face down in a pool of blood, somebody with a broken leg and someone having a seizure – hopefully that would never happen. The team managed it so well, everybody responded perfectly.”
It was a proud moment for the team to be crowned national champions.
“As the lead trainer, this is a reflection of how the team are engaging with the training,” said Robbie. “If ever there is an emergency our staff are well equipped and the trophy shows we have some of the best in the UK.”
Steve Lawrence, Serco Leisure director of stakeholder engagment, first brought the idea for a Lifeguard Games to life in 2009.
“This year’s games will probably go down as one of the best we’ve ever staged,” he said.
“Seeing our teams in action at the games, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. With lifeguards like these working at Serco Leisure centres, you can be sure our customers’ safety will never be compromised.”
