Newquay RNLI lifeguards receive awards in recognition of their hard work

Held each year, the awards within the Newquay RNLI lifeguard team celebrate exceptional efforts by individuals during their summer season, as they all work tirelessly to keep the public safe.

The team of lifeguards patrolling Crantock beach were awarded the RNLI Gareth Nicholas Memorial trophy for outstanding contribution. It is the second year running that the trophy has been awarded to the Crantock lifeguard team.

Lewis Timson, Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor says;

‘Due to the redirection of the River Gannel which now runs across the beach, the management and supervision of a safe bathing area at Crantock has become more difficult. However the lifeguard team have once again done an outstanding job to work really closely with the landowners and local community to provide safety information and used their skill and expertise to maintain a safe bathing area with minimal rescues or assists. They are thoroughly deserving of this award.’

RNLI lifeguard Will Giles was awarded Mentor of the Year. Will has made a significant contribution to the service this year mentoring new lifeguards and providing rescue craft training to other team members.

RNLI lifeguard Dave Kelly was awarded Lifeguard of the Year. Dave has had an excellent season leading the Mawgan Porth lifeguard team, his attitude and dependability makes him a worthy recipient of this award.

And Janusz Burda was awarded Rookie Lifeguard of the Year.

Lewis said; ‘Janusz has been an excellent addition to the Newquay RNLI team, his attitude and desire to learn have been outstanding. He has also continued to volunteer most days since his seasonal contract finished to gain more experience and qualifications.’

Newquay’s RNLI lifeguards are continuing to patrol Fistral beach in Newquay on a voluntary basis on weekends until the end of November.

Lewis continued;

‘We’re still seeing some keen water users heading to the beach, making the most of the water temperatures before we face the depths of winter and we are keen to be able to provide them with a safe environment to be able to enjoy themselves safely. Those lifeguards who are giving up their time to provide this deserve some credit for remaining on duty in the sometimes testing conditions.’

Notes to editors

• Please see the attached images –

  • Winners of the individual lifeguard awards L to R Will Giles, Dave Kelly, Janusz Burda

  • The lifeguard team award - L to R Sonny Timson, Ollie Gullick, Simon Cooke, Stephen Daley, Arron Evans, Theresa Morokutti, John Steadman

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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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