Belton man is awarded BEM

A BELTON man has been awarded a BEM in the New Year’s Honours list for his work towards saving the lives of swimmers.

Andrew Peter Spencer Ebben, aged 66, was given the award for services to Lifeguard Development and Swimming Pool Safety: Throughout his career Mr Ebben has been instrumental in writing high quality pool lifeguard and beach lifeguard manuals during his time working for the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

The Govt cabinet offices says: “He authored the very first UK pool lifeguard training manual, and also the first and subsequent editions of training manuals which over one million lifeguards have been trained and certified by in the UK and Commonwealth.

“He raised the standard of training required and qualifications for lifeguards resulting in a safer environment for swimmers.”

The statement added that Mr Ebben was responsible for the design of the first UK swimming pool-specific spinal board, now present in swimming pools nationwide, to aid water rescue.

“He managed the development committee for safety standards for a range of swimming aids used for teaching children and adults to swim, now adopted in all EU countries and used as reference in other countries worldwide.

“His contribution has resulted in fewer drownings in UK pools and in open water or beach environments.

“For the last 12 years, he trained young leaders in water rescue and first aid at a holiday centre for young children on a voluntary basis.”