73-year-old becomes lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure Centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

A 73-year-old regular swimmer has become a lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure Centre.

John Barstow, 73, has worked as a lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure Centre for about ten months after passing his NPLQ Lifeguard Qualification late last year. A regular swimmer who visits the centre three or four times a week, he was encouraged to apply after retrieving a training dummy from the bottom of the pool.

Barstow now works a couple of times a month helping cover swimming sessions, including those held by Ulverston's active swim club. He said his age has not caused problems with colleagues or swimmers. Many of the swimmers at the centre are his contemporaries, and he receives good responses from colleagues, who are largely in their twenties.

Lifeguards must complete regular training after qualifying, including two hours of in-water rescue and first aid training each month, alongside additional quarterly training covering procedures and processes. Barstow said the leisure centre offers activities for people of different ages and abilities, including aqua mobility and exercise classes for people with disabilities and those with health conditions. He described the role as 'a bit of entertainment' and 'something to do to occupy your time in retirement'.

How it is being reported

• Meet the 73-year-old lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure CentreA 73-year-old regular swimmer has become a lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure Centre.NW Evening Mail · 18 Oct, 06:00
• Meet the 73-year-old lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure CentreA 73-year-old regular swimmer has become a lifeguard at Ulverston Leisure Centre.Westmorland Gazette · 18 Oct, 06:00

In this story: John Barstow · Ulverston Leisure Centre · Ulverston · Barrow

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