"As a youngster I struggled with swimming but persisted and learnt to swim at my local pool, Kingstanding Baths in Birmingham.

I became a stronger swimmer as the years went on and by 1959 aged 15, I became a Swimming Teacher. Over many years I taught and trained in many locations as I moved both around the country and the world, teaching in Birmingham, Hampshire, Wales, London, UAE, Saudi Arabia and even Papua New Guinea.

As a lead tutor in Papua New Guinea, I became the RLSS President whilst I was there and developed an Awards Sunday which developed as those involved with the club were able to compete in the Panguna games where lots of medals and awards were achieved.

In 1982 I received the accolade of becoming an RLSS Honorary Life Member.

The passion for the pool clearly runs in the family as two of my children have both become Swimming Teachers with my youngest son, Peter, having worked as Head of Club Developments in both the UK and Dubai.

After many years involved with lifesaving and swimming, I am now retired but continue to support RLSS UK as an Honorary Member."