National recognition for ten years of lifesaving (From Barry And District News)

National recognition for ten years of lifesaving

TWO VALE of Glamorgan-based trainers and assessors of lifesaving have achieved national recognition.

Working at the council leisure centres in Barry and Penarth, Debbie Jackson and Richard Huntley have been awarded prestigious service medals by the Royal Lifesaving Society, and certificates of thanks in recognition of more than ten years' invaluable service.

Richard and Debbie were honoured for their contribution to lifesaving at an awards ceremony at the Guildhall in London.

Sully resident Debbie is a long serving and popular employee at the Penarth centre, where she has been based since 1986.

She teaches lifesaving and works part-time on the busy front reception desk.

Richard first qualified as a lifesaver in 1991 and has taught at the Barry centre since 1998.

As a graduate in Economics, Richard is also self-employed and works part-time as an accountant.

Lifesaving courses are run three times a year at the Barry and Penarth centres.

Classes span approximately 12 weeks and teach individuals vital skills which they can apply in potential water and land lifesaving situations.

Attendees learn a range of skills, including dealing with choking, putting an individual in the recovery position, water safety, resuscitation, administering CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and rescue breathing.

Richard decided to train in lifesaving when his son got into trouble on his surfboard in France.

As a father he wanted to feel safe in the knowledge he would have been able to rescue him should things have taken a turn for the worse.

Acquiring lifesaving skills is important in the Huntley family; Richard's father Fred was a bronze medallion holder in lifesaving. His other son, John, possesses the national pool lifeguard qualification, and is employed at the Penarth centre.

Debbie said: "We are both delighted, and feel privileged to be honoured for our training and assessing skills."

Cllr Mike Harvey, Vale Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "Lifesaving is an invaluable skill to acquire. I am delighted that both have received awards for their outstanding and inspirational achievements."