Bassetlaw lifeguard nominated for top award

Julie Lane, 57, of Camborne Crescent, Retford, a lifeguard at Retford Leisure Centre, has been selected as one of the finalists for the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and IQL UK Awards 2016.

The awards recognise and celebrate the vital contribution made to water safety and drowning prevention.

Julie has been nominated for the Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution award for her work in keeping customers safe as well as her passion for lifesaving and her desire for young people in the area to learn about water safety.

“I am extremely proud to be nominated for the award,” Julie said.

“It is great to see youngsters develop through the swimming and lifesaving programme and some of them go on to get careers out of it.

“It is a life skill and it is very important.”

For 40 years, Julie has worked to ensure that Retford and surrounding districts benefit from lifesaving courses and opportunities.

Starting as a competitive swimmer at Retford Swimming Club, her passion broadened to include lifesaving through her association with Retford and District Lifesaving Club.

Julie remains active in managing the pool lifeguard programme and supporting the club’s role in the community with thousands of young people passing through the club and many becoming lifeguards working at the centre.

“We have been overwhelmed by the quality of entrants to this year’s awards and congratulate Julie on reaching the finals,” said Martin Symcox, director of IQL UK.

The winners will be announced at the RLSS UK & IQL UK Awards 2016, held on Friday, July 1 at Staverton Park in Daventry. Visit www.rlss.org.uk