Award for brave beach lifeguards

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Two beach lifeguards will receive silver medals for bravery for the first time in the RNLI's history.

Chris Boundy and John Dugard, both aged 20, saved the life of an angler who fell into the sea from rocks at Trebarwith Strand in Cornwall in June.

The awards recognise the men's selfless disregard for their own safety in an area known as the "the washing machine" because of its treacherous currents.

Victim David Nicklin from York was in hospital for three days.

Without John and Chris I'd be dead - I can't thank them enough David Nicklin

The holidaymaker slipped and fell from the rocks during a fishing trip and was knocked unconscious.

Mr Boundy spotted him face down in the water, being repeatedly washed against the rocks.

After calling for back-up, he and Mr Dugard battled through strong currents, avoiding rocks, to get to Mr Nicklin.

Steve Instance, an RNLI lifeguard inspector, said both men had shown enormous courage.

"On the day of the rescue a 4ft (1.2m) swell was breaking on to the rocks and sea conditions were extremely treacherous," he said.

During the rescue Mr Boundy became entangled in Mr Nicklin's fishing lines, making it hard for him to keep them both above water.

The RNLI said there was a 4ft (1.2m) swell the day of the rescue

Once ashore, the lifeguards were helped by a couple who were on holiday from Broadstairs in Kent.

Ian Watkins and his wife Jane, a trained nurse, helped the lifeguards resuscitate Mr Nicklin, who was not breathing.

For their part in the rescue, the couple will be given a framed letter of thanks from the RNLI.

Mr Nicklin, who was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, made a full recovery.

He described the lifeguards were "wonderful young men" who thoroughly deserved the medals.

"Without John and Chris I'd be dead. I can't thank them enough - it's impossible - because life is so precious and you're a long time dead."

The lifeguards will be formally presented with their awards at the Barbican Centre in London in May.