In a remarkable testament to dedication and service, Chris Lewis of Bournemouth has been officially recognized as the world’s longest-serving lifeguard by Guinness World Records. Despite the common association of lifeguards with sun-soaked beaches in more exotic locales, Lewis’s decades-long commitment to safeguarding swimmers and beachgoers along the Dorset coast has earned him this prestigious title.
At 74 years old, Lewis has been a familiar face on Bournemouth’s shores since the tender age of 16, amassing an impressive 58 years of service in ensuring the safety of visitors and locals alike. Reflecting on his remarkable tenure, Lewis expressed his unwavering passion for his profession, describing it as “the best job in the world.”
Throughout his extensive career, Lewis has witnessed significant changes in lifeguarding practices and equipment. From humble beginnings with basic gear such as T-shirts, swimming trunks, and rescue tubes, today’s lifeguards are equipped with state-of-the-art tools including jetskis, rescue boats, and quad bikes. Despite these advancements, Lewis fondly recalls the simpler times and the invaluable experiences gained through his years of service.
Lewis’s journey into life-saving began in 1965 when a police officer recognized his swimming prowess and encouraged him to pursue life-saving certifications. Since then, Lewis has been an integral part of Bournemouth’s life-saving community, transitioning from volunteer work to professional lifeguarding with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis has encountered countless challenges and triumphs, including a particularly memorable rescue in 2010 when he saved three children from treacherous waters off Durley Chine beach. The gratitude and applause he received from onlookers serve as enduring reminders of the profound impact of his life-saving efforts.
Beyond his physical feats, Lewis attributes life-saving to his mental and emotional well-being, noting its therapeutic effects during times of anxiety and depression. Now, as he approaches nearly six decades of service, Lewis remains dedicated to passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of lifeguards, emphasizing the importance of honesty, friendliness, and preventative measures in ensuring beach safety.
While Lewis’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment and resilience, he acknowledges the possibility of someone surpassing his record in the future. Remarkably, his wife Elaine Lewis, herself a lifeguard of 50 years, and their children and grandchildren continue to carry on the family legacy of life-saving.
As Lewis’s legacy continues to inspire admiration and pride, his record-breaking achievement serves as a beacon of excellence and dedication in the field of life-saving, leaving an indelible mark on Bournemouth’s shores and the global lifeguarding community.
