SOUTH Worcestershire Lifeguard Club’s Alex Jackson was crowned a national champion as he won the 100m manikin tow at the Royal Life Saving Society UK National Championships in Glasgow.
More than 20 clubs were represented at Tollcross International Swimming Centre and 17-year-old Jackson took his chance to shine.
Jackson, a lifeguard at Rivers Leisure Centre, won the 100m manikin tow in a time of 1:01.31 in the last race of the weekend when he was able to use his new rocket fins following sponsorship from local waste company Grundon.
Earlier in the day, Jackson had won a silver medal in the 100m manikin carry and secured two fourth places and two eighth places in his individual events, as well as three silver medals in relay events.
His team-mates in the 12 to 14-year-old age group also enjoyed success with a silver medal in the 4x10m rope throw for the second year in a row.
Tom Clifford started the throws after an individual ninth place, followed by Cameron Leach and Jacob Hesketh who also achieve a 13th place in the individuals. The relay was closed by a superb throw from newcomer James Young.
The boys also narrowly missed out on medals in their other team events, with two fifth places in the 200m obstacle race and 200m manikin carry.
The girls’ team of Ellen Forson, Mia Robins, Lara Harding, Clara Forson and Alice Forson all achieved individual personal bests in most events, with Alice Forson notably achieving a seventh place in the extremely difficult 100m rescue medley race.
South Worcestershire team manager Vanessa Eagland said: “I am very proud of my team. With more than 90 per cent personal best times over the weekend, they all worked extremely hard.”