RNLI East Dorset Lifeguards presented with Royal Humane Society Awards

As the RNLI prepares to celebrate Lifeguard Appreciation Day on Friday 31 July, the charity is reflecting on the achievements and lifesaving impact of lifeguards like Jacob Thompson and Finn Pardy, who help keep our beaches safe.

On 13 July 2025, RNLI lifeguards Jacob and Finn worked alongside officers from Dorset Police to provide lifesaving casualty care, helping to successfully resuscitate a man on Poole Bay beach in Bournemouth.

During a particularly hot day, a member of the public who was in shallow water experienced an epileptic seizure. Another beachgoer saw this and pulled the casualty from the water, where Jacob spotted the incident and began performing CPR.

Finn and fellow lifeguard Jonah Wall supported the casualty care, while David Pearce assisted by bringing the responder bag to the scene. Working together as a team, the lifeguards coordinated the emergency response and provided critical care until emergency services arrived.

The East Dorset lifeguard team worked with Dorset Police, ambulance crews and medical responders to ensure the casualty received the best possible care. Once emergency services had taken over, the casualty was airlifted by helicopter for further treatment.

Thanks to the quick actions, teamwork and professionalism of everyone involved, the casualty left the beach responsive. One of the police officers then put Jacob and Finn forward for Royal Humane Society Awards for their role in the incident.

South East Lifeguard Lead, Ed Stevens, said: ‘This Royal Humane Society Award recognises the extraordinary courage, compassion and determination shown by RNLI lifeguards, Finn and Jacob, who worked alongside Dorset Police to save the life of a member of the public pulled from the sea.

‘In a moment when every second mattered, their calm professionalism, selfless teamwork and unwavering commitment gave someone the very best chance of survival. The award is a powerful reminder that lifesaving is rarely the work of one individual, but the result of people coming together with a shared purpose to help others in their greatest time of need.’

The actions of Jacob and Finn reflect the vital role RNLI lifeguards play in keeping visitors safe at the beach. Since 2001 RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives, aided 459,354 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 333,330 incidents and carried out more than 48M preventative actions.

Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards in the South East of England saved 16 lives, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people. Jacob and Finn are part of a dedicated team of lifeguards who have helped save these lives.

As the main beach season gets underway, the RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.  

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands 

• The RNLI lifeguard service is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.
• Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards have:
  • Saved 2,165 lives
  • Aided 459,354 people
  • Responded to 333,330 incidents
  • Carried out more than 48 million preventative actions.
• RNLI lifeguards patrol more than 245 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands during the peak season.
• The RNLI is a charity and depends on voluntary donations to fund the training, equipment and support needed to deliver its lifesaving services.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.