Britain’s Top Lifeguards Compete In Baywatch-Styled Battle

Saturday 11 June 2005 will see the first National Lifeguard Challenge, organised by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) and the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL), at Stechford Cascades Leisure Centre, Birmingham. The competition, which is sponsored by Omega Electronics, has been designed as a one-day training exercise to raise the profile of the lifeguard role, as well as test the abilities of UK lifeguards.

Entrants will have their knowledge and skills assessed across a range of areas including health and safety, emergency procedures, operational management, first aid, teamwork and physical fitness. The programme will start with a leadership initiative test over the Army’s assault course at Whittington Barracks.

Teams will be competing for the coveted National Lifeguard Challenge Trophy, with additional winners in each event category. The challenge is open to any qualified pool lifeguards working within the sport and recreation industry. Team players can be employed as leisure assistants up to pool managers, but teams will need to consist of two males and two females, along with two reserves and a team leader. All members of the team must hold a current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or equivalent.

Linda Bishop-Bailey, Director of Operations at the ISRM comments,
"We are extremely excited about this new event, which creates a fun forum for lifeguards to demonstrate their skills, as well as being an excellent training exercise. Lifeguards in this country provide a valuable service, which is sometimes overlooked. Every lifeguard undergoes strict training and assessment to ensure that they are ready to protect the lives of others in the water. This competition gives them a chance to show how well they do their jobs and prove who’s the best!"

Peter Whittall, from ISRM, event organiser, continues,
"Each of the challenges focuses on a job related skill that lifeguards should be experts in. This could be dealing with a poolside incident or showing their leadership abilities. We wanted to create an annual competition, which allowed the industry to demonstrate how professional it was. This challenge is a reflection of the skills lifeguards use - a practical awards ceremony if you like."

If you are interested in competing in the National Lifeguard Challenge the deadline for entries is the 30 April 2005. For further information visit www.isrm.co.uk or call 01509 226474.

For more press information please contact:
Joanna Masson / Johnny Sollitt-Davis
Octopus Communications for ISRM
01753 672755
isrm@octopuscomms.net

About ISRM
The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management is the national professional body for sport and recreation management in the UK. Founded in 1921, the institute has a membership of 2,500 qualified sport and recreation specialists employed at all levels in the industry from front line managers to heads of companies, organisations and local authority departments. Its key objective is to provide opportunities for participation in sport and other recreational activities to benefit public health. More information is available at www.isrm.co.uk.

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