After promising to take 12-year-old Evie and Oliver, aged seven, camping, their parents took them along to Dyffryn in Barmouth for a few days last summer.

Despite the slight overcast and chilly weather, the family headed to the beach where Evie, a Rookie Lifeguard, and her younger brother, put on their wetsuits to play in the sea. Although the young pair had been swimming in the sea many times over the years, the current took them out further, until they found they could no longer stand. 

Oliver began to panic however Evie spotted him and used the rescue techniques she has been taught by her instructor Rebecca Mansfield at Chirk Leisure Centre. Reassuring him, Evie performed an underwater rescue, going underwater to push Oliver up so he could catch his breath.

The brave Rookie Lifeguard repeated this three times before signalling to their parents for help. She continued to stay calm and near to Oliver until their dad, Ryan, was able to swim out into the sea and take Oliver back to shore. Only then, when she was sure Oliver was safe, did Evie swim back to safety herself.

With her quick thinking, calm manner, reassurance and bravery in what was a scary and dangerous situation, Evie saved her brother’s life.

Evie’s mother, Bethan, said: “Ryan, Oliver and I are extremely proud of Evie. Her selfless and heroic actions saved a life. She is a lifesaver.”

Well done to Evie and thanks to her instructor Rebecca Mansfield for organising the RLSS UK Everyday Hero certificate presentation. We were pleased to have President of Liverpool & District Branch, Lynn Billingham, present her with an Everyday Heroes certificate and goody bag!

Find out more about Rookie Lifeguard