A YOUNG boatswain has received an act of bravery award for saving the life of someone who fell in the water.

Last summer, nineteen-year-old Alex Walsh saw an intoxicated person fall off Poole’s quayside, landing in the water near Poole Quay Boat Haven marina. With a water temperature of approximately 15 degrees and tidal and current flows of varying speeds, the water was a dangerous environment.

With no formal training as a lifeguard but a trained first aider, Alex did not delay in jumping into the water to help the person, who could have been swept under one of the marina pontoons or into the path of a mooring boat.

However, Alex said, it became evident that the person was resisting being saved. As the casualty started to shiver, choke and splatter, Alex managed to pass a rope around him to make a loop and drag them to safety of the quayside for the emergency services to then take over.

The casualty, who was suffering from hypothermia as a result of being in the cold water, was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

Alex, who works for the Poole Harbour Commissioners, has been acknowledged by the Royal Humane Society with an act of bravery award. He said: “I did not hesitate about diving into the water to carry out the rescue.

“It was a complete surprise to be nominated for my actions, and I wish to thank Poole Harbour Commissioners for nominating me for such a prestigious award,” he added.

The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards to those who have put their own lives at risk to save or attempt to save someone else. Alex has received the Testimonial on Parchment award for swimming to the rescue of someone else.

Jim Stewart, chief executive at Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “In a selfless act of bravery, Alex saved the life of a person who was feared to be drowning, and we are incredibly proud of his actions.

“Alex took all of this in his stride and did not think twice about assisting someone in trouble. He is a well-respected member of the team, and his actions demonstrate that employees at PHC go the extra mile to look after people in the local community and on the water.”