
A nine-year-old boy from Buckinghamshire has been praised for his bravery after staying calm during a frightening incident while on holiday in Turkey.
Walter Keeler, who trains at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, was on a family boat trip when he jumped into the sea for a swim. Before his parents could join him, the boat unexpectedly began to drift away.
Despite choppy waters and the growing distance, Walter kept his composure — using the water safety techniques he’d learned in his swimming lessons to stay afloat until the boat returned.
Walter has been swimming at the stadium since 2020, progressing through every level to reach the Advanced+ and Academy classes. His instructors say his calm response shows just how important water safety and drowning prevention skills are for young swimmers.
In recognition of his quick thinking, Walter has been presented with a bravery certificate from the team at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.