Lifesaving awards for Mark and Ethan

Two dedicated life-savers were presented with Honours Awards at the recent Royal Life-Saving Society National Honours Ceremony in Coventry.

Hundreds of people from across the UK attended the awards ceremony, with Mark Birch and Ethan Tanner-Rolf representing the Island.

Mark was awarded the ‘RLSS UK Service Honour – Bar to Service Medal’ for his long-term and voluntary service to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat Service.

The independent lifeboat is a voluntary service, active in The Bay. The service provides 24/7 emergency response, saving countless lives each year, and working closely with Sandown Beach Lifeguards (RBLG) during the busy summer months.

Ethan, 15, was awarded the ‘RLSS UK Merit Honour – Young Lifesaver of the Year’ for his huge achievements in lifesaving.

He obtained his Bronze Medallion earlier in the year, as well as volunteering huge amounts of his time to support Ryde and Sandown Beach Lifeguards.