Serco Leisure is celebrating the 16th edition of its Lifeguard Games, an event that brings together lifeguard teams from across the UK.

The annual competition, which for the past four years have been held at the iconic Stoke Mandeville Stadium - birthplace of the Paralympic movement, comprises a series of physical and mental challenges, which test every element of a lifeguard’s skill set.

Each year, the event has a different set of tasks, but this year teams had to face reaction tests, pool-based challenges, wet and dry incidents to test teamwork and first aid, wheelchair relay challenges and a 4-minute CPR challenge.

Steve Lawrence, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for Serco Leisure, was the person who came up with the idea for a Lifeguard Games back in 2009. He said: "This year's games will probably go down as one of the best we've ever staged. A lot of that is down to my colleague, Claire Lodge, who deserves a heap of praise for her tireless, behind the scenes work to get the event up and running each year. We were also honoured to once again have the RLSS in attendance.

"My journey within the leisure sector started as a lifeguard, so I understand the pressures and responsibility that come with that important role. Seeing our teams in action at the games, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. With lifeguards like these working at Serco Leisure centres, you can be sure our customers safety will never be compromised.”

Attending the games this year was the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS) President, Deborah Hunt, who told us: “It was an honour to be invited to attend the Serco Leisure Lifeguard Games; being surrounded by heroes who devote their lives to ensuring the safety of others is always amazing.

“We will never know how many lives they have saved; how many families are whole because of their skills.”

The winning lifesavers in 2025 all work at the Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, which is operated by Northern Leisure Community Trust (NLCT) in partnership with Serco Leisure.

The Aurora team comprised captain, Robbie Milling, plus Kyle McGhee, Luke Kelly, Heidi McBride, Rhys Smith and Alex Burns. Robbie added: “I’m super proud of the team. This was an away game for us, facing eight lifeguarding squads based in England. But our team of six were up for the challenge and came ready to compete. We did well in all the disciplines, but I think it was our performance in the pool and first aid scenarios that really solidified the win.

“I’d like to thank the Serco Leisure team who organised the games and our hosts, SMS. We’d never been to the stadium, but knowing its history, it was quite an honour to know we were at the home of the Paralympic movement. We’ll be back next year to defend our crown!”

Serco Leisure operates over 50 facilities in the UK, including the national sports centres, Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall.