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Click to watch the clip from Tyne Tees news. Former RAF pilot Peter Fish has proved age is no barrier when it comes to learning new skills. For the 67 year old has just become Thirsk Swimming Pool’s oldest lifeguard. He passed the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification to bring him a new career as a casual lifeguard at the pool. When he retired ten years ago Peter, from Easingwold, set himself the personal challenge of completing the lifeguard course taking lessons with Thirsk White Horse Swim Team and swimming regularly. The qualification is made up of in-depth training about potential hazards and risks in swimming pools, appropriately supervising pool users to use facilities safely as well as covering first aid, resuscitation, in-water stamina training, simulated rescues and specialist rescue techniques. The assessment also includes a timed swim element in which candidates must swim and tow almost two lengths of the pool in 65 seconds. “I wanted to try to persuade parents that they could become actively involved with activities that their children participate in,” he said. “And I also wanted to prove that age is just a number. But despite being a regular swimmer I was not mentally prepared for the assessment! I don't think that I'd been so nervous since before I first flew solo - and that was over 50 years ago! “But I am really excited to be able to lifeguard at the pool – and I hope to be able to maintain the qualification through continual training.” For more information about lifeguarding opportunities at Thirsk Pool, contact the centre on 01845 522447 or through www.hambletonleisure.co.uk. For more information about Thirsk White Horse Swim Team, check out www.twhst.co.uk or call 0797 405 8409. Tuesday, February 03, 2009 Further information available from Myles Strudwick T 0797 405 8409 E twhst@myran.co.uk |
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