The Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT) lifeguard team clinched victory at the Serco Leisure Lifeguard Competition at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Defending their title, the BCLT team, led by Captain Michael Ryan, bested competitors from across the UK.

BCLT, in partnership with Serco Leisure and Birmingham City Council, operates nine leisure centers citywide. The winning team, comprising Michael Ryan, Kim Ash, Marta Hulin, Tom Brandon, and Jacob Cope, demonstrated a winning combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Michael Ryan, also Facility Manager at Stetchford, expressed confidence entering the tournament, emphasizing the team’s unity on competition day. Looking ahead, he stated, ‘When I was selecting the team, I wanted a group of people who had both theoretical as well as practical knowledge and understanding. We felt confident going into the tournament but were aware of the extra pressure of retaining our title this year. I’m really proud of the way the team pulled together on the day. We’ll be looking for a three-peat in 2024!’

The Serco Leisure Lifeguard Competition rigorously tested lifeguards with challenges such as CPR, bleep tests, reaction testing, situational awareness, and a Kahoot! quiz for added excitement.

During the event, participants utilized the new QCPR mannequins from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Debbie Weston, Commercial Administration Manager for RLSS UK, highlighted the mannequins’ real-time tracking of compressions and breath, providing effective feedback.

Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK, commended Serco Leisure’s commitment to staff development through events like the Lifeguard Competition. He praised their investment in improving life-saving skills and expressed hope for similar initiatives nationwide.

The event garnered praise for Serco Leisure’s dedication, showcasing a passion for lifesaving and fostering a sense of value for their staff. Robert Gofton remarked, ‘I was incredibly impressed by the commitment of Serco Leisure management. I hope other operators consider similar initiatives to find the best lifeguards in the country.’

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