STAFF who came to the rescue of a man who had a cardiac arrest while swimming have been praised.

For Basingstoke Sports Centre staff, it was just a regular day on September 4 last year as customers enjoyed their senior swim session in the centre’s pool.

Suddenly, duty manager Tom Monger noticed a man in distress in the water. Wasting no time, Tom raised the alarm and headed straight over to John Stevenson to assist him.

Thanks to Mr Monger’s training, he was quick to identify that Mr Stevenson was suffering a cardiac arrest, so the centre manager performed rescue breaths until other team members joined him to help.

After Mr Monger’s quick-thinking, health and safety officer at the Sports Centre, Nicky Cook liaised with the South Central Ambulance Service on arrival, who saw Mr Stevenson safely onto hospital for further treatment.

The ambulance service staff were quick to praise the team for their actions and professionalism which is believed to have saved Mr Stevenson’s life.

On Wednesday last week, staff at the centre and Mr Stevenson met with the director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Jo Talbot.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK recognised the efforts of the Sports Centre staff, presenting them with Certificates of Meritorious Action.

Sally Starbuck, head of operations for Basingstoke & District Sports Trust Ltd, which operates the centre, said: “It’s a testament to how well our team support each other and work together, that they can affect a successful rescue like this. I know the family are grateful for the swift and effective response and I know I speak for all of the staff here, when I say how proud we are of them.”

In presenting the awards Ms Talbot said: “Most lifeguards complete training monthly and practice CPR but thankfully very rarely have to put that training into action.

“As the UK’s drowning prevention charity, we are extremely proud of the prompt action these four individuals took, to deliver essential first aid and save John’s life. It was a wonderful opportunity to see John looking so well and personally thank Tom, Nicola, Gareth and Nicky.”

To become a lifeguard or CPR trained, or for more information, go to rlss.org.uk.