Staff who saved unconscious Marlborough swimmer heralded for saving his life
The man stopped breathing and was given life-saving CPR at the scene
Last updated 10th Mar 2022
Staff and fellow swimmers have been heralded for saving a man’s life, after he was pulled unconscious from a pool in Marlborough.
The swimmer, Dr Reg Eyre, was regaining fitness following the fitting of his pacemaker in 2021.
During a session at Marlborough Leisure Centre, he abruptly stopped breathing and was floating face down in the pool.
Fast reactions from everyone at the scene helped regain the man’s pulse, through CPR and a defibrillator shock.
Doctors from Great Western Hospital, where Dr Eyre was later treated, said no water had entered his lungs and praised those who intervened during the incident.
Dr Eyre, from Lockeridge, is now recovering at home.
He said: "My thanks go to the staff and swimmers at Marlborough Leisure Centre, the paramedic team and all the staff that looked after me at hospital.
"I am hopeful that I can resume swimming at Marlborough before too long".
'An incredibly stressful situation'
Duty Manager Kirsty Brown and Lifeguard Tom Peart both performed life-saving roles at the poolside.
Speaking about the pair, Terence Herbert, Chief Executive for Wiltshire Council, said: "I am incredibly proud of Tom and Kirsty, and their quick response to come to Reg’s aid and offer life-saving treatment.
"They were able to stay calm and professional in what would have been an incredibly stressful situation".
Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling has also paid tribute to the pair, saying he's "very grateful" for their rapid reaction.
"Their response and ability to help Reg reflects incredibly well on all our staff working hard across all of our 20 leisure centres.
"We very much hope to welcome him back into Marlborough Leisure Centre as soon as he is able to return," he added.