by Jenni Horn

Olympic volunteer Denise Todd is on call to give life-saving treatment to spectators at the Games.

The 52-year-old swimming instructor, will keep a watchful eye on the crowds as part of the Aquatics Centre medical team.

She will be on the poolside for about 190 events including swimming, synchronised swimming and diving.

Her first shift started at 7.30am today (Saturday) and she will be working 13 shifts throughout the Olympics.

Denise, of Edwin Road, Rainham, was one of 250,000 people who applied to be an Olympic volunteer. She was one of the lucky ones to be picked after an intense interview with three Olympic officials.

She said: "I am over the moon to be selected for something that is a lifelong passion of mine.

"The bonus is I get to see the swimming competition, which is the icing on the cake."

Denise has worked as a swimming teacher for 20 years. She also is staff trainer for the lifeguards at Medway Park and runs pool lifeguard and first aid at work courses for Medway Council.

She added: "I think it was my experience as a lifeguard trainer which got me the job.

"I’m not nervous, I’m really excited. I have been to test events already and seen the aquatics centre. It is fantastic."

A number of Medway Park Crusaders are also gearing up to help out at the Games.

Volunteers from the basketball club based in Gillingham will work at the basketball arena in Stratford and the North Greenwich Arena.

Crusader chairman, Jesse Sazant will be doing stats during matches.

He said: "I am very honoured to be taking part. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a part in the world’s biggest event.

"As chairman, I am very happy for the other people at Crusaders that they have the opportunity to be involved. All of them have been so committed to basketball and Crusaders over the past few years."

Table official Hazel Gray is excited about the opportunity to officiate at the games. She said: "It was an aspiration of mine to officiate at the Olympics, ever since they were awarded to London. I have worked hard over the past few years to achieve this goal, and although I am a little nervous I cannot wait to participate and experience this spectacular event first hand."

Crusaders academy and men’s player Fred Whitehouse is a Games Maker volunteer in the basketball arena, who will be involved with everything from ticket scanning to manning control points.

He said: "Considering the number of applicants to volunteer in my position, it is a privilege to have been chosen."

Steve Vear, who played for the Crusaders for the last two seasons, works for LOCOG as part of the basketball team.

Women’s basketball stars today, with GB against Australia, while the GB men play Russia tomorrow (Sunday).