Worksop: Hero teen Charlie saves girl, aged six, from drowning at pool

A hero student dramatically saved the life of a child while he was working as a lifeguard at a swimming pool in Worksop.
Hero Charlie Baird, 17Hero Charlie Baird, 17
Hero Charlie Baird, 17

Charlie Baird, aged 17, rescued a six-year-old girl when she went under the water while he was on duty as a part-time lifeguard.

The Year 12 pupil at Balby Carr Community Academy in Doncaster, dived in and managed to get her to safety.

John Innes, academy headteacher, said: “He spotted she had not come up from the water, then went in and pulled her out before CPR was administered. His actions saved her life.

“We are extremely proud of Charlie.

“He’s a terrific lad, a fantastic role model and somebody other students look up to.”

The heroic life-saving actions of Charlie and another pupil at the school, Tom Heath, who treated a man who was unconscious on the floor after realising the man’s tongue was blocking his airways, has now inspired the academy to train all willing pupils and staff in resuscitation techniques.

Mr Innes said: “Like Charlie, Thomas’ quick-thinking actions saved a life.

“So when my personal assistant Charlotte Reed alerted me to the Restart a Heart Day, we thought it would be great if we could get the academy engaged.”

The day of training at the academy, which will involve hundreds being trained in the life-saving techniques, was due to take place today, Friday, October 16.

Six volunteers from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service were due to train all those students and staff who wanted to take part in the initiative, and acquire the skills that could save somebody’s life in the future.

A total of 35 mini-mannequins were going to be used in the training, which have been donated by the British Heart Foundation charity.

The academy will be key to Yorkshire Ambulance Service achieving its target of teaching cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to more than 15,000 children.