Australian lifeguard promotes water safety in South Shields

Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell, who is known for his role on Australia’s Channel Ten programme ‘Bondi Rescue,’ visited South Shields to take part in the Rookie Lifeguard Festival.

The event, which took place on Thursday, August 23, at Mowbray Lifeguard Station, saw Maxi was put through his lifeguard paces by South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club (SSVLG).

Working with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) as its ambassador - in partnership with Tourism Australia - Maxi met with South Shields VLG Rookies and took part in a range of activities with the community during the event, with the aim to raise awareness amongst young people of how to swim and stay safe around water.

Maxi said: “It’s important to me that young people understand just how dangerous water can be but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at the same time.

“It’s exciting to be back in the UK and to have taken part in SSVLG’s Rookie Festival.”

In his role Maxi has also been a keen supporter of RLSS UK campaigns and messages, using his social media profiles to engage his audience with key water safety messages and tips across Drowning Prevention Week and during the build-up to the school holidays.

His visit was perfectly timed to draw the RLSS UK’s #BeARookieLifeguard campaign to a close.

RLSS UK’s Volunteer & Community Operations Manager Kenny MacDermid said: “Our Rookie Lifeguard programme remains one of our most popular courses for young swimmers, and I know our Rookies out there are as excited about Maxi’s tour as we are.

“As we’ve already seen a number of young people lose their lives to drowning this summer, Maxi’s passion for educating youngsters on being able to swim and stay safe around water, combined with his appeal to young people, is a crucial part of his role for us.”