Newly qualified lifeguard encourages others to train.

A PART-TIME cleaner and entertainer is urging other people her age to dive into new training opportunities having just completed her National Pool Lifeguard qualification at the age of 52.

Sue Braithwaite from Grimsby works as a cleaner at the town’s Scartho Road pool by day and by night can be found belting out Shirley Bassey tunes in retirement homes around the area.

Her employees at Lincs Inspire’s Grimsby Swimming Pool have been encouraging Sue to sign-up to the lifeguard training course after seeing her become a confident swimmer from using the facilities regularly for 12 years.
Sue, who initially did the training for her own accomplishment, is now looking forward to putting in some extra shifts pool-side. She said: “I’ve been working for Grimsby Swimming Pool for four years as a cleaner and thoroughly enjoy entertaining older people with my Shirely Bassey cover-act! I wouldn’t want to give any of this up, but they’ve been asking me for a long time now to try the course, so I thought I’d give it a go.

“It was intense training over a full week where we covered all sorts of pool safety techniques including hygiene and CPR. In fact, I thought that I would find the theory exam the most challenging, but I took it all on board – as you get older you worry that you’re going to struggle with these things.
“Having passed the course I feel complete. I am proof that you can still do things when you’re a certain age. If anyone is thinking about undertaking any form of training they should definitely go for it. I feel 10 years younger!”

Danny Phillips, centre manager, said: “Sue has always been a confident swimmer and we’re immensely proud of her. We are delighted we could help with her own personal and professional development and look forward to seeing her on shift as one of our lifeguards. She’s an inspiration to others.”

Anyone thinking of become a lifeguard can book onto the next National Pool Lifeguard Qualification training course taking place from Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 5 at Grimsby Swimming Pool. Places are limited. The course costs £160 and runs from 8am to 5pm each day with an assessment by an independent RLSS UK Trainer on the final day.

The industry standard lifeguarding qualification covers CPR skills, rescue and spinal injury management, legal requirements and safety in respect of flumes, waterslides and play equipment.

There are a number of course pre-requisites for attendees, including being a competent swimmer and being physically fit. For further information, an application form and payment details contact Mark Byron on (01472) 323500.