Staff Spotlight - Alex Jackson | Team Wales at the RLSS Championships

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our own Alex Jackson, Personal Trainer and team member at Pershore Leisure Centre, who recently represented Team Wales at the RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Swansea (Wales) this July.

This high profile international event brought together top lifesaving athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in simulated rescue scenarios and speed based challenges. This was Alex’s third time competing for the Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving, and a proud moment as Team Wales achieved their best result to date, coming 4th overall with Alex serving as team captain.

A Commitment to Lifesaving

Alex began lifesaving sport at the age of just seven and has been involved ever since. Over time, what started as a hobby has become a serious commitment. He has gone on to compete nationally and internationally for both Team GB and Team Wales.

At age 16, Alex won his first national medal and later took bronze with Team GB in 2019. He’s competed in events across the UK and abroad, including Leeds, Italy, Canada and most recently Swansea, where the Championships were held in Wales for the first time. This was a proud moment for Alex, especially with his Welsh background.

This year, Alex competed in both the dry SERC (Simulated Emergency Response Competition) and speed based lifesaving events, The dry SERC involves emergency scenarios similar to the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), and tests casualty care, CPR, timing, technique and decision making under pressure.

Alex scored 82 points, just shy of a higher ranking due to order and timing, showing just how tight the competition is at this level!

Leading by Example

Alex’s role as team captain played a key part in Team Wales’ success this year. He was responsible for leading a squad of 20 athletes, helping to keep the team focused, motivated and working well together throughout the competition.

The role came with some pressure, but Alex handled it confidently. His experience in both coaching and competing made him a strong fit for the position. He supported his teammates by setting high standards, helping them to manage nerves and keeping the group organised and united.

A Personal Best After Six Years

One of the highlights of the event for Alex came on day one, when he achieved a personal best (PB) in the 100m Manikin Tow with fins, an event that’s often described as one of the most physically demanding in the lifesaving sport. Competitors must swim 50m to a floating mannequin and then tow it 50m back using carbon fibre fins, which requires some intense lower body strength and technique!

Alex hadn’t beaten his PB in six years… until now. He clocked in at 1:00.30, down from his previous 1:00.80. For him, the result was about more than the time. It represented resilience, improvement and proving some people wrong.

A Familiar Face at Pershore

Alex first joined the team at Pershore Leisure Centre when he was 16. Since then, he’s become a true all rounder, now working across several roles, including Personal Trainer, Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Fitness Instructor and Duty Manager.

He’s also qualified in soft tissue therapy, offering soft tissue therapy and recovery support to members. His knowledge of both fitness and rehabilitation means he can support a wide range of people, from those new to the gym to those training at a higher level.

What stands out most about Alex is how much he enjoys helping others make progress. He values personal challenge, but takes just as much satisfaction in seeing members grow in strength, confidence and consistency or simply get back to enjoying exercise again.

From Athlete to Coach

Outside of his work at the leisure centre, Alex coaches with South Worcester Lifesaving Club, helping younger athletes develop their skills through regular training and competitions.

Looking ahead, he plans to expand his coaching and continue supporting competitive teams at events such as the Welsh Championships, RLSS Speeds, and Yorkshire Speeds.

Alex credits lifesaving and competitive swimming with helping to shape his physical training and also his mindset, both in and out the water.

He’s also honest about the challenges that come with high level sport. By age 18, he was training up to 8 times a week and admits that the pressure took a toll, leading him to lose his enjoyment for swimming for a time.

His advice for anyone inspired by big sporting events is simple: enjoy it. Doesn’t matter if you’re training for competition or just starting out in the gym, keeping it fun is what helps you to stay consistent in the long run.

What’s Next?

Alex continues to work across multiple roles at Pershore Leisure Centre, staying focused on members and clients, building his coaching experience and contributing to the wider lifesaving sport community.

Alongside his work, he’s also continuing his own training and mentoring athletes ahead of upcoming competitions. While medals and achievements are a big part of his journey, what matters most to Alex is helping others make progress and reach their goals that they didn’t think were possible.

We’re proud to have Alex as part of our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next both in the gym and in the sport.