South Ayrshire Council Employee Awarded Royal Lifesaving Society Long Service Medal

We are delighted to announce that a member of our Sport and Leisure team has been awarded the Royal Lifesaving Society UK (RLSS*) Long Service Medal.

Alistair Jardine is one of our longest serving Facility Supervisors. He joined the team at Girvan Swimming Pool as a qualified lifeguard in the early 1980s and became a member of Girvan Lifesaving Club and the RLSS around the same time.  Alistair has progressed in his career, over the years - from a lifeguard, to lifeguard trainer, to a national trainer assessor. Alistair now oversees all of our training centres for the Pool Lifeguard Awards.

Alistair recently attended a ceremony at Worcester Cathedral where he received the Service Cross Medal in recognition of over 20 years' service with the RLSS.    

Councillor Chris Cullen, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Culture said: "This is a fantastic achievement and I'd like to congratulate Alistair for receiving this medal.

"The skills that people can learn from working as a lifeguard, such as CPR, first aid, communication skills and teamwork are so valuable, and I'm sure Alistair has made a difference to many young people who have gone through their training. He is a credit to the Council's Sport and Leisure team and should be extremely proud of his achievement."    

Alistair said: "It is a privilege to work with the RLSS and South Ayrshire Council. I can't count how many lifeguards I've put through these awards over the years, and to be recognised for my service is outstanding." 

If you'd like to become a lifeguard, or get involved in lifesaving, you can contact our Sport and Leisure team by emailing slgadminteam@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

*The RLSS is the UK's leading provider of water safety and drowning prevention education.