IT WAS an emotional end to a group which provided Scouts and Guides with vital life-saving skills. 

After nearly 46 years the Calleva Lifeguard Club held its last session at the end of May, as the group has been unable to find new leaders to take over, and demand from Scouts and Guides to attend is low. 

The group, which was founded in 1970, ran at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College and has helped youngsters learn vital water safety training, helping shape people’s careers and boosting their confidence. 

Set up by the late John Feuillade and Michael Broad, the group came about as they wanted to take their Scout group on a canoeing trip but they needed specific training before they could embark on the the adventure. 
However, the club has struggled to recruit new leaders and new members, which has led to its closure. 

One of the leaders, Ann Broad, from Tadley, said the last session was “very emotional” and it was sad to see things come to an end. 

“Throughout the years we must have seen hundreds of Scouts and Guides learn water safety skills through the club,” said the 80-year-old. 

“It was a bit emotional at the final session as parents and members all gave the leaders gifts and a framed photo of the group in their Scouts and Guide uniform. 

“The parents have been really supportive throughout the years.

“The difficulty was getting more members involved in the training.”

Many of the club’s current leaders are in their 50s, 60s and 70s and have seen people come through the club and go on to become professional life guards or compete in national swimming competitions, thanks to the added boost they got from attending the Calleva Lifeguard Club. 

During their training, Scout and Guide members would patrol the River Thames as part of the Thames Rescue Service, putting their skills to the test. 

These activities also helped towards the youngsters’ Duke of Edinburgh Awards.