14/04/2026

On a weekend morning in March 2026, at Water Meadows Leisure Complex in Mansfield, a child got out of their depth, went under the water, and lost consciousness. Team lifeguard Devan Patel carried out the rescue, and Liam Banks (Duty Manager) commenced CPR on poolside. The child regained consciousness and was able to sit up.

Liam Banks said about his experience: “Undertaking CPR in a real-world emergency, such as this one, brought into sharp focus the importance of remaining calm under pressure. Your training kicks in, and you get on the sequence of CPR to ensure the best outcome in the unfolding situation in front of you. I strongly believe in the value of professional qualifications within the industry. The structured pathway provides clear opportunities for individuals to grow, develop, and build long-term careers in leisure. These qualifications not only equip people with essential lifesaving skills but also open doors to leadership and specialist roles.

“I have spent the past 19 years building a career in the leisure industry, a journey that began at the age of 16 when I completed my National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) at Water Meadows in 2007. Fourteen years on, I have been fortunate to continue progressing and am now a National Trainer Assessor with RLSS UK. Today, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is mentoring new trainers and supporting them as they develop their own careers.”

Photographed above: Serco National Lifeguard Compliance Manager Becca McLean, Duty Manager Liam Banks, Lifeguard Devan Patel, and Contract Manager Matt Hancock.

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