Bracknell

A national lifeguard competition has been won by a Bracknell member of staff from Coral Reef on his first attempt.

Bracknell Adam Porter, 20, came top in the Lifeguard Triathlon, run by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management and the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards. There were more than 400 entrants from across the country.

It was the first time Bracknell Coral Reef has entered a team. Nine people entered and the centre came 12th out of 39.

Entrants final score is based on a combination of a theory paper, timed swim and tow and CPR test. Adam scored top marks in the timed swim and CPR, getting a final score of 97 out of 100.

Adam joined Coral Reef soon after leaving school and developed his swimming ability with Bracknell Swimming Club.

The competition runs throughout May, and each entrant is scored by local assessors. It is seen as an important annual event and a motivational training tool.

Mark O’Halloran, Coral Reef centre manager, said: We decided to enter the competition so we could benchmark our lifeguard skills and aptitude against national standards and I am thrilled Adam and the team rose to the challenge so brilliantly."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: It's a terrific result and Adam and the team have done us proud. Coral Reef is one of the South East’s premier leisure pools and the team have demonstrated the calibre of people we have working in Bracknell Forest’s leisure facilities.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council