A boy from Sidcup has become the youngest in the area to complete a rookie lifeguard course.
Freddie Hodge, 8, has completed all of his rookie lifeguard courses to Gold Level 3.
Rookie Lifeguard teaches children vital survival and sports skills which leads to a series of awards.
The super swimmer has been hard at work at Sidcup Leisure Centre and as a result, has completed the course over eight half terms.
The scheme starts with Stage 1 of the Bronze Award and moves onto Stage 3 of the Gold Award.
It is part of the Swim England and Swim Ireland Learn to Swim Programme, but can also be run as a stand-alone course by clubs, leisure centres and swimming schools.
His swim teacher Marina let him start the course early, at the age of six-years-old, as she knew he was a "very capable swimmer".
Freddie says he can't wait to follow in the footsteps of his brother Jack who is already a helper at rookie lifeguard.
"It feels good to have completed it all , I’ve done all the hard work and now I can go back as a helper next time with Jack, " said Freddie.
Parents Stuart and Lianne said they are “very proud” of their sons for completing the course.
Stuart Hodge said: "We feel it’s very important for kids to learn to swim at a young age so they are safe and confident in the water, they both really enjoy doing it.
"As well as it being fun for them to do it is giving them skills that could one day really help someone if needed!
"We think Marina is great with the kids, very encouraging and caring with them and wants to see them progress and succeed."
For more information about the course at Sidcup Leisure Centre visit here.
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