Thread by @RNLI

We're delighted to announce that lifeguards involved in a dramatic rescue of a man caught in a powerful rip current and large waves on a Cornish beach this summer will receive RNLI gallantry awards 🎖️ [Thread]

For their courage, selflessness, determination and surf skills in challenging conditions, Bronze Medals for Gallantry will be awarded to lifeguards Alex Ashen and Vittoria Farmer, seen here with rescuee Jon (centre) 👏

And for her role in supporting her colleagues, displaying significant seamanship & determination, Lifeguard Theresa Morokutti (right) will receive a Letter of Thanks signed by our Chief Executive. Senior Lifeguard Tom Houghton (left) has also been praised for his leadership.

The man they rescued, former police officer Jon Marshall, feared he was going to die, but remained remarkably calm throughout - using our #FloatToLive technique to keep his head above the water until help arrived. 'I’ve never felt as small as I was in that water,' said Jon.

Alex and Tori battled for 20 minutes in the rip current to keep an exhausted Jon afloat in what Tori describes as the 'most physically demanding rescue' she's ever carried out, while Theresa skilfully manoeuvred her rescue water craft between huge waves to pick up Jon.

Area Lifesaving Manager Dickon Berriman said: 'Tori & Alex willingly placed themselves in harm’s way. Had they not acted as they did, Jon would almost certainly have drowned. Theresa was absolutely instrumental in securing a safe & successful outcome for Jon and her colleagues.'

The first RNLI Bronze Medals were awarded to @CromerRNLI lifeboat volunteers 1917, but it wasn't until 2003 that Rod MacDonald became the first lifeguard to receive an RNLI medal. In 2006, Sophie Grant Crookston became the first female lifeguard to receive such an award.