A QUICK thinking teenager saved another boy’s life because he had learned vital skills during courses at Hengistbury Head.

Josh Langdon’s family says the case shows just how valuable the centre is, and have stressed it must not close.

Josh, 14, was on an Army cadet course in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, sailing on an organised day trip when he and fellow cadet Nathan Robinson capsized.

Josh, from Devon, was flung 15m into the water while Nathan became tangled up in ropes and trapped in a pocket of air underneath the boat.

Josh managed to get down to Nathan, untangled the ropes around his legs, and brought him to the surface.

He then attempted to calm the panic-stricken boy down until rescue speed boats reached them shortly afterwards.

Both boys were uninjured following the drama although Nathan was in shock.

Following the incident Josh received a bravery certificate from Col David Howells, commandant of the Devon Army Cadet Force.

Josh added that if it had not been for attending sailing courses at Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre he would have panicked himself.

He attended summer courses at the centre in 2006 while visiting family over the summer.

He added: “Nathan said to me afterwards that he thought he would have drowned in another minute.

“At Hengistbury Head I learned everything you need to know to handle a boat and rescuing people out of the water. I thought it was a great shame that it might close. It’s the best sailing club I’ve been to.”

Godmother Mary Fielding of Christchurch said: “Without Hengistbury Head Centre he wouldn’t have known what to do. We are so proud of him.”