Lifeguard represents Team GB
A huge well done to lifeguard Callum Smith who has been selected to represent Team GB in both the World Triathlon Championships (under 20 age category) taking place in Spain this October and the European Championships in 2025!
Having started his swimming lessons at Scartho Baths, he stopped aged 8 when running become the focus.
Callum said: “I started swimming at 14 again at Grimsby Leisure Centre to try and build fitness to do my NPLQ the following year. From that point I took to it and swam regularly for the next four years until now.
“I really had to re-learn to swim as I stopped lessons so early. I could just about swim 25 metres!
“I then decided to take Triathlon seriously and as swimming was my weakest sport I joined Cleethorpes and District Swimming Club (CADs) when I was 15 to try and progress at swimming as I’d plateaued at this point. Joining CADs has helped me immensely in being able to catch up to the rest of my competitors in terms of swim ability.”
Callum is juggling his training for the championships alongside his bid to qualify for the 2025 age group team.
Alongside his hours lifeguarding at the pool and his training, Callum is also a full-time student taking A-Levels at King Edward VI Grammar School Louth and has applied to university to study Paramedic Science.
For the younger generation I would say you’re never too late to learn to swim. It’s such an important life skill and something everyone can learn. I learnt to swim properly at 14, which from a competitive background is quite late, but never think you can’t learn now because you’re too old as that’s just not true!
“It’s difficult and can sometimes be challenging but don’t give up on it. Learning to swim can be so freeing and so fun.”
Callum Smith, Lifeguard, Student and Triathlete
