Athlete at Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club

At just fourteen years old, James has been a regular at the pool for his whole life. He started swimming from toddler-age with his mother before joining the Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club to learn how to swim properly. After passing all levels in swimming, he progressed onto the Lifesaving team and has been competing in the sport since he was eight.

James loves competing and tries to take part in as many events as possible. The rope throw, 100m manikin carry and 100m manikin tow are his favourites but he’s also currently enjoying the challenge of the 200m Super Lifesaver! He says “I always have lots of fun competing and love working together to support and entire team of lifesavers”

At the 2022 National Lifesaving Championships, James won overall Gold in the Junior Boys category with his partner as well as various other individual medals. At the same event, he won Gold as part of Blyth’s youth team for the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC).

In 2023, James has competed in the higher 15-18 category at the Speed Lifesaving Championships; finishing within the top 10 for most of the events he competed in. And with a busy calendar of national and local events lined up, training is key. For James this is focused on fin training, stamina training, first aid lifesaving techniques and water safety.

When asked why people should get involved in Lifesaving Sport, James said “This is the only sport in the world where you learn to save lives - we are trained to make a difference in the real world as well as compete. We learn to work as a team, trusting each-other 100%, and assess various situations to get the best possible results from our skills.”

“Through Lifesaving Sport I have gained friends from all over the UK and gained valuable skills and qualifications that I hope will help me with future employment. Lifesaving offers a way to help people stay safe around water while having a load of fun at the same time.”