RNLI lifeguard reunited with man he rescued at Chapel Porth over 30 years later

David Lewington was visiting Chapel Porth, near St Agnes, Cornwall, in 2025 when he unexpectedly recognised Martyn Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, the lifeguard who came to his aid during an incident in the 1980s. The pair had not seen each other for three decades.

The original incident took place in 1986. While swimming at Chapel Porth, David noticed another swimmer in difficulty further out to sea. He swam out to assist, helping to keep the casualty afloat until a lifeguard reached them with rescue equipment.

David said: ‘I was acting purely on instinct; I saw someone who needed help and I went to help them.’

After securing the initial casualty, the lifeguard returned to assist David, who had become exhausted in the water. He was brought safely back to shore.

At the time, lifeguard services at Chapel Porth were operated by the local authority, supported by surf lifesaving clubs. The RNLI introduced its lifeguard service in 2001 and took on Chapel Porth in 2002, building on the foundations established by these earlier teams.

Martyn, who rescued David, began lifeguarding in 1977 and later joined the RNLI when the charity expanded its service in Cornwall. He continues to be part of the RNLI lifeguard service.

Reflecting on the incident, Martyn said: ‘He did an amazing job. He held the casualty until I arrived – I am trained to do that, but for David to do that was incredibly brave.’

Following the rescue, David continued visiting Chapel Porth regularly with his family. He occasionally saw Martyn in the years immediately after the incident, but the pair eventually lost touch.