Eyemouth RNLI volunteer recognised at national police bravery awards

Volunteer RNLI crewman Dean Mark, who saved a man from drowning, has been awarded a silver medal in recognition of his bravery at the Annual National Police and Public Bravery Awards, held in London recently. This year’s awards ceremony recognised the acts of 94 people for their courage and bravery.

In May 2015, the Eyemouth RNLI lifeboat crew responded to an incident at the harbour where a man had lost his footing and fallen into the water. Dean was first on scene and saw a man floating face down and in need of immediate assistance.

Dean entered the water and swam to the man before bringing him back to the harbour wall where he was recovered from the water. The casualty was breathing but his body temperature had dropped significantly. Paramedics took the casualty to hospital where he made a full recovery.

Inspector Bryan Burns of Police Scotland said at the time: ‘Thanks to the efforts of Dean Mark a young man was saved from what was potentially a fatal situation. It is through his selflessness and bravery that this incident reached a positive conclusion and Police Scotland commends Dean for his swift action.'

It was this bravery that was recognised at the annual event in London, as well as the Brave@Heart 2016 ceremony held at Edinburgh Castle in October, where Dean was also presented with an award by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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