
RNLI Lifeguard recognised with Royal Humane Society Award
In April, RNLI lifeguard Fynley Caudery was presented with the Royal Humane Society Award at a ceremony at Powderham Castle for his act of bravery after saving a life on Porthmeor beach, Cornwall.
Whilst on duty lifeguarding at Porthmeor Beach in spring 2021, Fynley went to great personal risk to aid a distressed man who was determined to throw himself off the West Pier at St Ives, Cornwall. The male approached the RNLI Lifeguards on duty that day and told them he wanted to kill himself.
Before the police arrived, RNLI Lifeguard Fynley Caudery followed the male who had left the beach, walked into the town centre and out onto the pier. With a 30-foot drop below and the tide out, Fynley realised the man was likely to jump, so approached him and tried to talk him out of his decision. However, realising his serious intent, the RNLI lifeguard had to to go one step further and wrestle him to the ground in order to prevent him jumping off the pier.
Fynley was soon assisted by the police in restraining the male and he was later detained under the Mental Health Act. Following the incident, the male is reported to be receiving help concerning his mental health and is recovering well.
Oliver Shilston, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Penwith in Cornwall said:
‘I’m extremely proud of Fyn’s actions, as I am of all the RNLI Lifeguards. The bravery, professionalism, and high level of training he displayed during the incident is deserving of the award he received.
‘The past few seasons have been very busy, and the RNLI Lifeguards around the south west have been working really hard to keep beach users safe, and ensure they enjoy their visit to the beach for the right reasons.’
Notes to editors
· A photo of Fynley Caudrey after receiving his award at the ceremony. Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police.
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