Swimmer reunited with hero lifeguard 40 years on
RNLI/Greg sprayA swimmer who was rescued from the sea 40 years ago has been reunited with the lifeguard who saved his life.
David Lewington had become exhausted while helping another swimmer in the water at Chapel Porth near St Agnes in Cornwall, in 1986.
RNLI lifeguard supervisor Martyn Ward came to their aid, taking the initial casualty back to shore first before returning for Lewington.
It was only while Lewington was visiting Chapel Porth again last year that he unexpectedly recognised hero Ward - and the pair were reunited.
"Put it this way, I wouldn't be here without you," Lewington told his rescuer.
He had gone to help the other swimmer after noticing them in difficulty further out to sea.
Dad Lewington kept the casualty afloat until lifeguard Ward arrived with rescue equipment, bringing the initial casualty back first before returning for Lewington.
"I was acting purely on instinct," Lewington added. "I saw someone who needed help and I went to help them."
Reflecting on the rescue, Ward said: "He did an amazing job. He held the casualty until I arrived – I am trained to do that, but for David to do that was incredibly brave."
RNLI/Greg SprayLewington continued visiting Chapel Porth regularly with his family after the rescue, but eventually lost touch with Ward.
It was only in 2025 when he unexpectedly recognised him sitting in his van overlooking the beach - and after approaching him, the two quickly realised their shared history.
Ward began lifeguarding in 1977 and later joined the RNLI when the charity expanded its service in Cornwall.
Ward's son, Josh Ward, is now an RNLI lifeguard and had previously assisted Lewington's son-in-law during a separate incident at the same beach.
Lewington added: "It's the spirit of the service that hasn't changed. Lifeguards are still there, keeping an eye on everyone in the water. It's a very personal, community-focused service, and it's touched my family twice."
