Lifesaver picks up award for efforts

Alistair’s certificate marks 33 years

A lifesaving veteran has been recognised for his hard work.

Alistair Jardine, of Girvan, was the recipient of the Bar to Service award from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

This prestigious award is granted to those who complete 16 years service with the society - and he went all the way to the Guild Hall in London to collect his certificate.

Alistair has served as a lifesaving trainer since 2000 - and has been involved in lifesaving since 1984.

The 50- year- old said: “It’s an honour to be recognised for what I have done. “The society has been a major part of my life and I am glad I have been involved for so long.”

Alistair is one of three Facility Supervisors at the 25- metre Maybole Swimming Pool.

He has worked with the council for 32 years - starting out at the pool in Girvan.

As part of his society membership he delivers a number of courses as far away as Campbelltown in Argyll and Bute and Dunfermline.

Further to this he gives out lifesaving lessons at the Citadel Lifesaving Club in Ayr on Sundays.

He said: “The classes are well attended and it’s great to see so many people interested.

“It should be known 400 people drown every year and this society aims to tackle that and cut the number.

“Interestingly, half of those deaths are people who are under 25.

“The society do a lot for the community with a number of initiatives.

“For example, they have Drowning Prevention classes and a Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.

“It is important people keep getting interested as we always need volunteers in the society.”

Alistair visited Buckingham Palace as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s diamond jubilee year also.

And he has recently qualified as one of Girvan’s first responders - which we told about last month - being only one of four to do so.