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Famous Southport Residents |
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Bill Doherty: Lifeguard |
| Career |
| At the age
of 14 years Bill was City of Liverpool 100 metres swimming champion, 50
metres swimming champion, City of Liverpool Catholic Schools swimming
Champion at freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke. Bill served in the Merchant Navy from 1955-1961 on the Cunard Line, working as a steward before joining Southport Council. He started as a Lifeguard in 1965, was promoted to Assistant Chief Lifeguard in 1966 and patrolled the shores of Southport and Ainsdale Beach from 1965 - 1997 (32 years). During his career Bill rescued 461 people, attended two aeroplane crashes from which all persons were safely removed and also saved numerous horses, dogs, yachts, boats and dinghies Life Saving Awards Bill received two Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Awards for saving a total of five people in danger of drowning and a Royal Life Saving Society UK Award for saving two people in danger of drowning in the sea at Southport. At the age of 61 Bill
became the oldest person in England to pass the rigorous lifesaving test
to gain the National Sea Bronze qualification. |
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| Permanent crew on the beach and the DUKW during Bill's career were Verdi Godwin, Tony Venturini, Arthur McGannon, Tony Rigby, Frank Walsh, Kevin Stringfellow, Cliff Bond, Harry Drennan | |
| Between 1972 -1998, Bill
also worked at the YMCA as a Circuit Training Coach, and assisted with
various activities within the YMCA, especially the boxing training. He
received the YMCA Long Service Award for outstanding achievements.
During the 1970's Bill trained Southport's team of athletes for the TV show "It's A Knockout". Other coaches for the team were Harry Boyle, Verdi Godwin and Dave Rogers. More... |
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Receiving an award at Bootle Town Hall for the rescue of a family of four on 28 March 1982 |
| Being congratulated
by the Mayor Mr Bullen, Mr Phil King (Head of Tourism) and Mr Ralph Gregson |
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Memorable
Rescues carried out by Bill Doherty - in Bill's own words |
| Sometimes when I reflect
on these events I am haunted by the fact that the people I have rescued
over the years have come so near to being drowned. I am very proud of the
fact that in my long career of 32 years patrolling the beaches of
Southport I have an unblemished record. Unfortunately my career came to an abrupt end on unlucky Friday, 13th October 1995. Whilst rescuing a lady, an official from the Green Party in Birmingham, I suffered a back injury which saw me admitted to Hospital for treatment. The road to recovery was long and hard, as the injury affected my legs. I spent many months in my garden regaining the ability to walk until eventually I was able to throw away the walking sticks I was forced to use, but I was left with the knowledge that I could no longer continue with my job. Through all this I was thankful that I still managed to save the lady's life. Now I am working on a voluntary basis at the hospital doing a little light work by opening up the swimming pool for the doctors and nurses who enjoy an early morning swim before going on duty. It is my way of saying thank you for all the help I received when I was injured. |