This week is Volunteers’ Week and we’ll be celebrating the great work that our volunteers do! Below RLSS UK Volunteer, Craig Murray has shared with us how and why he volunteers for the RLSS UK.

Celebrating Volunteers

What role do you play as a volunteer for RLSS UK?
I am involved with both Rookie Lifeguard and Survive & Save at Sanquhar Fun Pool. I have six Rookies and six Survive & Save candidates, a good group who turn up every week. I try to help out with the branch and am currently involved with planning the Rookie festival we are having at Troon Beach and Troon Pool for a day of fun and games for all!

Why did you initially become involved in lifesaving?
I became involved in lifesaving when I was about 14; it was another extension to my swimming as our swimming club coach started the lifesaving club in New Cumnock Open Air Swimming Pool. It was all about being able to help someone in difficulty in the water and meet new people and have fun. I also qualified as a lifeguard when I was 17.

What is your lifesaving background?
I have been involved in lifesaving since I was 14-years-old at New Cumnock, where I gained my lifesaving teachers qualification. I then became involved with the Barony Lifesaving Club. I then had a break from lifesaving due to relocation of my job, before moving back to New Cumnock. I returned to the Barony Club for a few years and then got a chance to resit my lifeguard qualification at Sanquhar. I have now been doing lifesaving here for 10 years and look forward to every Saturday, when I teach lifesaving.

How long have you been volunteering for?
More years than I can remember, I recon about 30 years!

What keeps you motivated to continue to give up your time?
Trying to get the water safety message across and seeing how much fun the young people have when entering competitions or sitting awards. I want to get the water safety message out to as many people as possible. I am working to get all primary schools in Dumfries and Galloway involved with Drowning Prevention Week.

What’s in it for you?
Seeing the young people come through the lifesaving class and gaining their lifeguard qualification, but most of all seeing them having fun.

Who is your inspirational figure?
Janet Castro

Follow the #VolunteersWeek on Facebook and Twitter see our volunteer profiles throughout the week.