Local lifeguard Cameron McFarlane has saved five lives using CPR both in and out of the pool.

He believes the skill is such a valuable one to learn that he embarked on a state wide roadshow recently to 58 schools to teach students how to potentially save someone’s life in a drowning or emergency.

“I developed a program and adapted it to primary schools targeting year five and six students,” he said.

“I started with 350 students and it turned into 2500 students over four years.

“I felt that all students in NSW should get the same opportunity so I went into combat and secured 32 business sponsors in Tamworth, I stayed in 23 motels around the state at no charge and I had two Commonwealth Bank of Australia staff turn up and help me set up and pack up at each session and covered 58 schools.”

Mr McFarlane took seven weeks of annual leave from his job to tour around the state for the program and he was overwhelmed by the community support he received, with $14,000 raised in the end which went to Royal Lifesaving NSW and the Samuel Morris Foundation.

Around 27 rural towns from the Queensland to the Victorian border were covered over the seven weeks, and 5,500 students were educated on CPR awareness.

“They were brilliant, absolutely amazing,” Mr McFarlane said.

“Some of the skills of the year five and six students had, there is no reason why they couldn’t save a life if they had to.”

Mr McFarlane presented the money raised to representatives of the two organisations at a special cheque presentation earlier in the month.

Mr McFarlane is now in further talks with six councils around NSW to continue the program.

In addition to his heroic efforts during the road show, Mr McFarlane also recently received the Orimatch Award of Excellence from the Aquatic and Recreation Institute.