RNLI lifeguards in south Devon presented with award for saving swimmer’s life
On 16 April, RNLI Senior Lifeguards Noah Hindley and Matt Pyman received the charity’s Alison Saunders Award for their heroic actions in September 2024, when they rescued a swimmer who had got into difficulty near Bantham beach in south Devon.
The award was presented to Noah Hindley and Matt Pyman by RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes, at the Lifeguard Support Centre in Kingsbridge.
The Alison Saunders Award, sponsored by the retired RNLI Deputy Chair Alison Saunders MBE, is presented by the charity each year for a single notable rescue across the UK and Channel Islands, recognising the skill and bravery of RNLI lifeguards.
Matt and Noah were awarded the Alison Saunders Award in recognition of their outstanding professionalism, leadership and contribution to saving lives, reflecting the very best of RNLI lifeguarding.
The award was given for the rescue which took place in September 2024, when RNLI lifeguards at Sedgewell Cove and Bantham beaches were alerted by Falmouth Coastguard following reports of someone in the water at Bigbury beach. Battling strong winds, heavy surf and breaking waves, Matt and Noah executed a complex rescue that saw Matt enter the water to reach the casualty, who was clinging to the rocks 300m away from where he entered the water, and guide him to safety.
In recognition of their actions, Matt and Noah were invited to attend a reception at 10 Downing Street last summer. The RNLI lifeguards represented the charity at the Public Sector Reception, hosted by the Prime Minister, alongside representatives from the Armed Forces, NHS, care sector, and many other frontline roles.
RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Rob Stuteley praised the team: ‘While the casualty was extremely lucky with the way he was eventually able to climb the cliff, this incident could have ended very differently, and we are incredibly proud of our team for their courage and professionalism.
‘In particular, Noah and Matt showed exceptional decision making, skill and carefully calculated selflessness. Had the lifeguards not been on duty and the casualty had remained clinging to the rocks, it is likely that helicopter winching would have been the only other viable method of recovery in the conditions.’
RNLI lifeguard Matt Pyman reflected on the rescue: ‘It was one of the most challenging scenarios I’ve faced as a lifeguard; we were tackling pretty big surf and the casualty when we found him was soaking and freezing on the rocks
‘It was also one of the best experiences I’ve had as a lifeguard. Ultimately seeing the casualty reach safety was really rewarding.’
The lifeguards will receive a glass trophy inscribed with their names and framed certificates. A sum of £500 is also given to the awardees to be used to further their lifeguard training experience.
Notes to Editors:
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Image One: Kingsbridge RNLI lifeguards Matt Pyman (left) and Noah Hindley (right)
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Image Two: Matt Pyman (left) and Noah Hindley (right) receiving the Alison Saunders award from RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes
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Image Three: Matt Pyman and Noah Hindley representing the RNLI at Downing Street
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Video: Matt Pyman and Noah Hindley on the RWC on their way to the scene
Further details of the rescue are below
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RNLI lifeguards from Bantham launched their Rescue Water Craft (RWC), with Senior Lifeguard Noah Hindley at the helm, and Senior Lifeguard Matt Pyman as crew. The lifeguards were assisted by two Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopters, Bigbury and Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Teams, and Salcombe RNLI's All-wWeather Lifeboat was also tasked to the scene.
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The lifeguards battled their way through eight-to-ten foot waves in extremely difficult conditions, in the middle of a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain.
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They were able to locate the casualty, with assistance from the two bystanders who had initially dialled 999, in a cove by the cliffs.
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The casualty’s location, coupled with the challenging conditions, meant the lifeguards were unable to get to the casualty using the RWC. With the tide coming in, the decision was made for Matt to take the rescue tube and swim to him.
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On arrival Matt found the casualty was wet and cold but otherwise unharmed. Matt was then able to assist him in getting to a safe part of the shore, away from the breaking waves, where they were met by RNLI lifeguards from Sedgewell Cove and the Coastguard team.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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