STAFF at Waterside Pool in Ryde have been praised by a swimmer who suffered a stroke in the pool.
Regular swimmer John Maxwell, 65, suffered a minor stroke on June 24 but said the quick action of the staff helped him get through it.
"I have no doubt their quick and professional action enabled the stroke to be nipped in the bud — I cannot praise them enough," he said.
Duty manager Ken Dack suspected Mr Maxwell, of Park Road, Ryde, was having a stroke and quickly arranged for paramedics to be called.
Mr Maxwell was taken to St Mary’s Hospital where his stroke was confirmed. He has made a quick recovery and has already returned to swimming.
"The staff are always friendly, courteous and professional but this time they really came through for me," said Mr Maxwell.
The staff were also praised by the Stroke Association, particularly as its FAST campaign has been launched recently. The campaign highlights symptoms in the Face, Arms, Speech and that it’s Time to call 999.
"We're delighted Waterside's staff remembered the FAST message and were able to identify the signs of a stroke and their quick thinking might have saved Mr Maxwell's life on this occasion," said Becky King, of the Stroke Association.
Georgina Lewis, manager of the Isle of Wight Council's Waterside Pool, was pleased the staff put their training to good use.
"Staff here take pride in their work and we are delighted we were able to assist Mr Maxwell, who is a popular regular at Waterside," she said.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk