TWO Trebarwith RNLI lifeguards, Chris Boundy and John Dugard, received the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry for their efforts in saving the life of a sea angler at Trebarwith last year.

Chris and John were presented with the gallantry medals by HRH The Duke of Kent at the Barbican Centre, London last Thursday. They are the first RNLI lifeguards to receive the charity's Silver Medal for Gallantry, the RNLI's second-highest award, after they saved the life of a sea angler who fell from rocks into dangerous water at Trebarwith Strand in June 2008.

The pair entered the sea in an area known as the 'the washing machine,' notorious for its treacherous currents, to rescue Yorkshire man David Nicklin, who had fallen from rocks while fishing.

Chris was the first to respond, and saw Mr Nicklin unconscious, face down in the water, being repeatedly washed against rocks. Chris immediately radioed John for back-up before entering the water with a rescue tube.

Using their local knowledge, the lifeguards used the surge of the sea and breaks in the waves to reach the casualty and then swim him 60 metres out of the 'washing machine'.

They then battled through strong currents and around the rocks into the main beach gully, where, finally assisted by a large wave, they got the casualty to the shore and began countless rounds of CPR on Mr Nicklin until they were rewarded with signs of life.

Mr Nicklin recovered from his ordeal in hospital, after being airlifted, and was discharged three days later, fit and well.