Four Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards from the Swansea area became the first recipients of the Alison Saunders Lifeguarding Award for the most meritorious rescue by RNLI lifeguards, at a presentation at Langland Bay Lifeguard Club, Swansea, on Thursday August 12.
The presentation saw former RNLI deputy chairman Alison Saunders – who inaugurated the award in 2009 – present the trophy and framed certificates to Nick Dowrick, Gareth Howarth, Emma Williams and Tom Burgess for their respective roles in the rescue of two fishermen trapped in treacherous conditions 100 metres across cliff faces at Langland Bay, Swansea, on 6 August 2009.
This is the first year the award is being presented and will be given annually for the most meritorious rescue by RNLI lifeguards during the previous season.
Michael Vlasto, Operations Director for the RNLI, cited the outstanding efforts made by the lifeguards involved in the rescue and said that it was appropriate that the RNLI should celebrate this inaugural presentation of the Alison Saunders Award. He also made special mention of the outstanding contribution Alison Saunders, who had recently retired as deputy chairman of the RNLI , had made.
She had been a prolific fundraiser and ambassador for the charity that saves lives at sea over a number of years before retiring in 2009.
He said: ‘Alison has always had a weather eye on the RNLI’s core purpose, which is saving lives at sea, and she had been fully behind the development of the RNLI lifeguard service, which has been a great success. That success prompted Alison to suggest that there should be a special award dedicated to the most meritorious rescue or achievement by RNLI lifeguards in the year.’
Before the lifeguards received their framed certificates, Matt Horton, West Division Lifeguard Inspector recounted the detail of the rescue.
He explained how, on the day, more than 1,000 people were enjoying the beach, the RNLI lifeguards were alerted to a capsized boat at Rams Tor, just east of Langland Bay.
As the RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Tom directed Gareth and Nick to the incident – while he and off-duty lifeguard Emma Williams took over safety cover on the busy beach and co-ordinated initial communications with the Coastguard.
Gareth and Nick clambered across 100 metres of cliff face carrying oxygen, a defibrillator, rescue tube and more. One of the casualties was face down on the rocks and not responding, while the second casualty was stranded on a rock.
The lifeguards tended to the first casualty who conscious but in pain and unable to move. The casualty was secured away from the water and his airway was preserved, while being fitted with a spinal collar. While the lifeguards waited for assistance from helicopter and RNLI lifeboat they were at the same time holding back the capsized boat which was washing nearer with every crashing wave and rising tide.
With the first casualty lifted to safety by the helicopter Gareth swam to the second casualty – who had a large fishing hook through his foot. Because the helicopter did not have enough fuel for a second run, Gareth and volunteer lifeboat crew member Dan Wright had to swim the casualty out to the lifeboat.
The man was in a panic, and at one point was entangled in submerged fishing gear, but they eventually reached the safety of the lifeboat, which sped him ashore.
