Lyme Regis volunteer lifeguard saves man from drowning
63 year old Malcolm Greenslade's finished his first season with the RNLI
A Dorset volunteer lifeguard is proving age is just a number.
63 year old Malcolm Greenslade has spent his first summer keeping watch over swimmers in Lyme Regis.
Malcolm - who works as an open water swimming coach - has already put his skills to use and went to the aid of a swimmer in the water off Monmouth Beach who was suffering from exhaustion.
What happened?
He spotted a gentleman lying on his back in the shallows at around 6.00pm on September 4th.
At first glance, it looked as if he was relaxing after a swim - but Malcolm observed waves roll the gentleman onto his side and then onto his back.
The man’s head was submerged as he struggled to get to his feet.
Malcolm immediately made his way to his assistance and managed to get him to safety, with the help of two members of the public.
Following the incident, Malcolm said:
"It was an unexpected turn for my Monday evening at the beach. At first, I thought the gentleman was just relaxing in the shallows, but it quickly became clear that he was in distress.
"I’m really glad that through volunteering as a lifeguard for the RNLI, I have the skills and knowledge that were needed to help the gentleman."
Malcolm's children, Ben and Abi Greenslade, both also work as RNLI lifeguards in Lyme Regis, and that led to Malcolm deciding to complete a Surf Lifeguard course in April.
This qualified and inspired Malcolm to volunteer for the RNLI:
"I’m very proud that both of my children work as RNLI lifeguards, it’s a pleasure to volunteer alongside them.
"I hope that people realise that age is just a number when it comes to lifeguarding. If you’re fit and able, there’s no reason not to get involved.’
"The RNLI is a great organisation and charity to be involved with. I’ve spent all my life in and around the sea, so the volunteer lifeguard role was an easy fit for me.
"I volunteer when I’m able and when the beaches are especially busy."
Local lifeguard courses are being held in Dorset during the half term week from 23rd to 28th October, at Weymouth Surf Lifesaving Club.
More courses are planned for 8th to 13th April 2024 at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station too.