BOURNEMOUTH’S lifeguards saw their year’s work recognised at their annual awards bash on the beach.

The volunteers got together to rescue Santa in a training exercise and received their awards at their base at Durley Chine.

The Bournemouth Lifeguard Corps club captain Hannah Gilbert said they had benefitted from having 50 cadets and 40 lifeguards this year.

She said: “It was much busier on the beaches this year and I think that was down to the weather. But we had a much bigger turn out of volunteers and they have been really good and raring to go.”

Hannah welcomed the mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth, councillor Rod Cooper and Elaine Cooper before presenting the awards. Lifeguard of the Year went to Taz Thomas while the captain’s award was handed to Dave Gale and Andy Burton.

Shannon Gale was cadet of the year and the comedy ‘It fell off in my hand award’ for breaking something went to Matt Sadd.

Hannah also presented the Royal Lifesaving Society awards and vice-captain Ethan Fox gave a short speech about the new Inshore Lifeboat Racing teams.

He told how they sent teams to the British Championships in Bigbury-On-Sea in Devon, in October. Though this was their first competition they brought back some medals. Hannah Gilbert and Emily Sym becoming Ladies British Champions.

After the speeches there was a demonstration of the races that the teams had taken part in and board and shore rescuers helped to get a Father Christmas out of the water safely during a rescue practice.