Leigh Bowbridge, 72, to represent SA less than three months after heart attack

A Glenelg surf lifesaving legend will represent SA at the Australian Surf Lifesaving championships this week, less than three months after having a heart attack.

Glenelg SLSC Leigh Bowbridge, centre, with fellow lifesavers Donna and Scott Mansell who both helped save his life after a huge heart attack on the beach. Picture Brenton Edwards

A Glenelg surf lifesaving legend will represent SA at the Australian Surf Lifesaving championships this week, less than three months after having a heart attack.

72-year-old Leigh Bowbridge was walking back to the Glenelg surf lifesaving patrol shelter after a swim on Christmas Eve last year when he collapsed.

While talking to someone, Mr Bowbridge “went dizzy and just collapsed”.

Luckily, fellow lifesavers Scott and wife Donna Mansell were nearby.

“Scott was doing CPR and Donna was doing the defibrillator and then I just woke up,” Mr Bowbridge said.

“Their quick reaction saved my life.

“They just went and grabbed that (the defibrillator) and used it straight away – it’s probably one of the things that saved me.”

Mr Mansell said early intervention and the patrol’s team work helped the couple save Mr Bowbridge.

“Everyone did their part,” Mr Mansell said.

“For us it was a really good outcome.”

Glenelg SLSC running legends Leigh Bowbridge and David Hutchison are heading their to their 50th Australian Surf Life Saving Championships representing South Australia. Picture Brenton Edwards

Mr Bowbrige believed his background of coaching people and knowledge of fitness helped him to ease back into fitness.

But said he won’t be competing at the same level as he normally would.

“I’m just happy that I’m in a condition that I can actually do it,” he said.

“That’s good enough for me.”

Mr Bowbridge will be competing in the championships alongside lifelong friend and fellow lifesaver David Hutchison this week.

The event will be the pair’s 50th Australian Championship – a milestone Mr Bowbridge never thought he’d reach.

“Put it this way, I didn’t think I’d be going to the Australian titles,” he said.

“I thought well it doesn’t look like I’ll get to the 50th year event.

“I was very happy I’d be able to continue on.”

Glenelg SLSC running legends Leigh Bowbridge and David Hutchison are heading their to their 50th Australian Surf Life Saving Championships representing South Australia. Picture Brenton Edwards

Mr Mansell referred to Mr Bowbridge as a legend who may have more medals coming his way despite recent events.

Mr Bowbridge, who has been doing the sport for 55 years, said he hopes to continue participating in surf life saving in anyway he can.

“It’s a great sport and you get to help other people along the way,” he said.