Dan Bentley, Class of 1997

I began my journey in sports science and outdoor sports at Pembrokeshire College, where I earned my HND. This academic foundation led me to an exciting career as an outdoor instructor in France and Cornwall, where I taught surfing, kayaking, climbing, and more. Alongside this, I dedicated ten years to serving as an RNLI beach lifeguard in Bude, Cornwall.

My passion for helping others eventually guided me to St George’s University London, where I trained to become a paramedic. After graduating, I joined the South East Coast Ambulance Service and later qualified as a Hazardous Area Response Paramedic. Five years ago, I transferred to the South Western Ambulance Service and moved back to Bude with my wife, Sophie, and our two children, Daisy and Max.

What initially drew you to water polo, and when did you start playing?

My background was in swimming for Beckenham Swimming Club. I tried water polo and really enjoyed it. I played for and captained Trinity, Beckenham, Kent, and Invicta water polo teams.

How did you balance your academic and athletic commitments during your time as a student-athlete?

I had supportive teachers, coaches and parents. It took time management and maybe more commitment on the athletic than the academic side, if I’m honest.

Can you share a memorable moment or game from your water polo career?

Being selected to represent England Schoolboys to play against South Africa Schoolboys and winning the England national championships with Invicta water polo club.

What specific skills or attributes do you think contributed most to your success in water polo?

My love for the sport and the fact that I enjoyed training.

How did you overcome setbacks or failures along the way?

With the help of teammates, coaches, and family.

Can you describe the camaraderie and team dynamics within your water polo team?

Everyone settled into a role, either specialising in defence, attack, wing, etc and we could pretty much anticipate what each player would do.

What role did your coaches play in your development as a water polo player?

They gave us all huge encouragement and were dedicated to spending the time enabling us to play the sport we loved. There were long travel times to play matches in far-off places.

What changes would you like to see in the development of water polo, particularly at the grassroots level?

I would like to see consideration of water polo when building or developing new pools, and for it to be introduced in schools as part of swimming lessons. There could be subsidies from Sport England as pool time is expensive and there should be investment in areas that don’t have water polo teams. My closest teams are at least an hour away in Newquay, Exeter or Barnstaple, which means that, sadly, I don’t play anymore. And I would have really liked to introduce my children to the sport I enjoyed so much.

What were some of the most memorable lessons you learnt from your water polo career?

Teamwork, dealing with failure and success. It also gave me sportsmanship and the opportunity to represent my country.

How has your experience in water polo influenced your life beyond the pool?

I have always been involved in water and fitness, whether it’s lifeguarding in pools, teaching surfing and kayaking, or surf lifesaving for Bude surf lifesaving club and the RNLI. I’m now responsible for delivering swiftwater rescue training to the Hazardous Area Response Team in the South Western Ambulance Service.