Swimming pool's first customer welcomed back as lifeguard

An Oxford leisure centre has welcomed a new member of staff with a unique connection to the facility.

Lincoln Madden, a newly qualified lifeguard, was the first customer of Leys Pools and Leisure Centre when it opened in January 2015.

The then six-year-old and his brother, Nelson, had been taken to the pool by their dad.

Lincoln Madden with his brother, Nelson, at the pool in 2015 (Image: MLCT)

He is currently studying business and sport at Greyfriars School Sixth Form in Oxford and is set to combine school work with lifeguard duties at Leys.

He said: "I can’t wait to do my first shift. I really enjoyed the training and I’m looking forward to the responsibility of keeping people safe when they’re at the pool."

His dad, Chris Madden, said: "Me and his mum, Chrissy, are so proud of Lincoln.

Lincoln Madden with his parents (Image: MLCT)

"He was one of the first to ever use the pool, he learnt to swim here, and now he’s a lifeguard, fulfilling an ambition I had for him as a kid."

Richard Monger, general manager at Leys, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Lincoln to the centre, now as a member of staff.

Lincoln Madden holding his lifeguard certificate (Image: MLCT)

"He’s got the right attitude and joins our excellent lifeguard team, a group of people who take great pride in their commitment to customer safety."

Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is operated by More Leisure Community Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure.