Lifeguards praised over saving life of man in pool

Pete Ram (right), pictured with lifeguard Jamie Hallam, said he was "lucky to be here today"

Lifeguards have been praised after saving the life of a swimmer who suffered a cardiac arrest while in the pool.

Pete Ram, 65, experienced a medical emergency at the Bert Williams leisure centre in Bilston, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The lifeguard team removed him from the water, administered CPR and used the on-site defibrillator. Emergency services were called and he was taken to New Cross Hospital.

Reflecting on what had happened in September, Mr Ram said: "I was lucky I was at the leisure centre when I had the cardiac arrest, with a great, trained team around me."

The council stated paramedics confirmed his survival was down to the actions of lifeguards Jamie Hallam, Lineu Palmeria, Mira Mistry, Courtney Jackson, Mahavir Johal and sports and activities manager Charlotte Lavender.

Mr Ram, described by the authority as a well-known member of the leisure centre community, said he had swum "consistently" since the site opened and it was "a big shock" when he fell ill.

'Incredibly proud'

"The doctors and nurses at New Cross, as well as the on-scene paramedics, said the staff at Bert Williams are highly trained and those who did CPR and helped during the incident did a fantastic job," he said.

"I'm so thankful for the team for saving my life and I'm lucky to be here today."

The medical emergency happened about 17:00 BST on 8 September, with Mr Ram suffering a heart attack that led to cardiac arrest.

The lifeguard team responded with "exceptional speed and professionalism", the authority said.

Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community Obaida Ahmed added the council was "incredibly proud of them".

She said: "The lifeguards at WV Active demonstrated extraordinary professionalism in a moment of crisis — and through their quick reactions and teamwork, quite literally saved a life."