Newquay RNLI lifeguards celebrate their season’s achievements

Lewis Timson, RNLI Lead Lifeguard supervisor for Newquay says;

‘2020 has been a challenging year for the RNLI lifeguard service, however our fantastic lifeguards have done a brilliant job to keep our beaches safe amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. We recognise individuals each year who have had an outstanding season, this year it has been harder than ever to decide on who should take these awards as the whole team have been exceptional. We would like to thank all our lifeguards for their hard work and dedication, we would also like to thank the local community who have supported us throughout the season.’

The 2020 Newquay Lifeguard awards:

Lifeguard of the Year – Matilda Shields

Matilda is a fantastic Lifeguard who has had a brilliant season on Fistral beach. Matilda works hard, has a pro-active approach to safety and a willingness to learn from her peers which makes her a great team member. She also qualified as an RWC (jetski) Helm this year, she is a credit to the RNLI.

Rookie Lifeguard of the Year – Ben Temme

Ben volunteered for the RNLI in 2019 to gain experience in the role, he has come on board this season and performed to a level beyond his experience. He has worked on Towan beach and been an integral part of the team, his attitude and commitment to learn has accelerated his development and makes him Rookie of the year.

Most Improved Lifeguard – Jordan Zervas

Jordan was completely new to Lifeguarding this summer, he was stationed at Fistral beach under two very experienced mentors. Under their guidance Jordan has developed into a great young lifeguard with exceptional water skills who will be a credit to the service for years to come.

The Gareth Nicholas award

This an annual award that is presented for Outstanding Contribution. Flight Lieutenant Gareth Nicholas was from Newquay and a keen waterman, he tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2006 and the lifeguards honour his memory with this prestigious award each year. This year it has been awarded to Arron Evans and Dave Kelly, Senior RNLI lifeguards who run Fistral beach. They have had an exceptional year, not only keeping the beach safe in difficult circumstances but they have mentored and trained many lifeguards, improving our lifeguard service for now and into the future. They are credit to our lifeguard service and the local community, well done.

RNLI lifeguard Theresa Morokutti was recognised with a letter of commendation from RNLI Senior Management for risking her life to save two people from drowning at Mawgan Porth early in the season. She showed all of the values held by RNLI to help others, despite injuring her leg she insisted on finishing her shift due to the dangerous conditions.

RNLI lifeguards Timothy Fallowfield and Stuart Weatherley were also recognised with letters of commendation from Senior Management for their efforts in successfully carrying out resuscitation of a casualty who’d collapsed at Towan beach. They used all their experience and RNLI training to get a positive outcome for the casualty and his family.

Notes to Editors

· Please find attached a photos of RNLI Lifeguards, Theresa Morokutti, Jordan Zervas and Matilda Shields with their awards, and a photo of Arron Evans and Dave Kelly with their Gareth Thomas award credit RNLI for all

· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: www.rnli.org/donate

Media contacts
For more information please contact Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on [email protected] or 07920818807 or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [email protected] .

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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