The Top Brass: The 10 leading lifeguards in Britain, as chosen by their peers

In troubled water, they're not out of their depth

Andrew Ebben

Managing director of the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL), Andrew Ebben, 48, first became interested in the profession at seven years old. "We had a class teacher who ate, slept and breathed life saving, and his enthusiasm inspired me. Throughout my years at school, life saving was my focus, and even when I went into the army in 1972 I remained involved."

On leaving the army, Mr Ebben joined a graduate recruitment scheme in a biscuit company, but he lasted just five months. "It wasn't for me. I missed life saving. So I applied for a job at the Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, where I was living."

Two years later, he decided to further his career with a degree in sports science, after which he took a job as water safety co-ordinator and staff trainer for the UN, followed by a range of teaching roles.

He worked his way up at Birmingham City Council to become principal officer of health and safety and has since held various management posts at the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). "Here, I undertook the development of a safety-based national training programme for swimming pool lifeguards."

Mr Ebben has also undertaken accident investigations for HM Coroners, the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities, insurance companies and the judiciary, as well as carrying out regular safety inspections. "Apart from the customer contact, variety is the most appealing aspect of this job."

Stuart Bailey

Stuart Bailey, 51, is director of the RLSS and chairman of the National Development Committee. He is responsible for programmes and services for life savers, and heads the development of lifeguard training and qualifications.

"The most memorable occasions are when you hear that people you have trained have used their skill to save a member of their family or members of the public."

Peter Binney

Peter Binney, 54, is chief executive of the Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA), which has saved around 20,000 lives since 1960 and also hosts local and national competitions. He came to the role after working as a manager in the leisure industry.

"The motto of the SLSA is 'Vigilance and Service'. Beach lifeguarding can also be rewarding and a lot of fun."

Alex Blackwell

Alex Blackwell, 31, is group lifeguard co-ordinator for DC Leisure, one of the largest providers of leisure facility management for local authorities. In this role, he oversees training for more than 2,000 lifeguards.

"My success is down to passion for the job, as well as dedication and enthusiasm. My aim is to raise the profile of the role and to enthuse lifeguards at all levels."

John Broad

John Broad, 53, is lifeguard manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Beach Rescue. He runs four lifeguard areas in Devon and Cornwall (with 28 beaches and 140 guards).

"When I started on the beaches in 1973, I was given a T-shirt, a whistle and a small red box containing a Hicks rescue line. Lifeguards are equipped to the highest standards now. My achievement is to have been part of that process of improvement."

Adam Coad

Adam Coad, 40, represents Cornwall on the council of management of the SLSA. He volunteers at Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club, where he teaches youngsters how to use the waves and currents instead of fighting them, and how to rescue and treat others in trouble.

"The most satisfying part of my job is when teenagers I've coached recognise someone is in danger and go to help them."

Di Cooke

Di Cooke, 48, started life saving at the age of 14 and is now technical support officer for the IQL. She is also working on the development of pool and beach lifeguard programmes.

"It is good to be involved with [life-saving] qualifications as they progress. It is also satisfying to pass on developments to our trainers and lifeguards."

Charlie Ramsay

Charlie Ramsay, 58, is the central co-ordinator for all lifeguard activities at Edinburgh Leisure (Trust). As well as managing the training needs of lifeguards, he advises local authorities, the leisure industry, the military and the police.

"I am conscious that water is not our natural environment but a lot of our recreational time is spent in or associated with water."

Garry Seghers

Garry Seghers, 48, is development officer for the Swimming Teachers' Association. He was responsible for the research and development of a new Rescue Torpedo buoy, and more recently the UK's first two-man spinal injury recovery system.

"Water safety education is a concern: our pools are safe, but every year there are reported drownings that often could have been prevented if a few simple rules had been followed."

Adam Wooler

Adam Wooler, 36, is the RNLI Beach Rescue manager and was formerly chief executive with the SLSA.

"Now that the RNLI has become involved in creating a joined-up approach to saving lives from the beach to the open sea, I hope that more opportunities will be afforded to those seeking to follow in my footsteps."

Do you want to take the plunge?

* Get in as early as you can; lifeguards can start at 16.

* You must hold either the National Pool Lifeguard qualification or the National Beach Lifeguard qualification.

* You'll need to be physically fit and confident in the water, and have well-developed observational and communication skills.

* What you'll learn as a lifeguard is highly transferable. You will acquire excellent technical, teamwork and personal development skills.

* If you hate routine, this could be the job for you: lifeguards often have flexible working hours, and positions are available full-time or part-time, and on permanent or temporary contracts.

* A Baywatch tan isn't a dream. You'll have the chance to work outside during the summer, both in the UK and overseas.

* Lifeguarding is an ideal stepping stone on the way to a career in sports development or leisure management.