Mark Birch and Ethan Tanner-Rolf were presented with Honours awards at the Royal Life Saving Society National Honours Ceremony held at Coombe Abbey in Coventry on Saturday (28th October).
Mark Birch was awarded the RLSS UK Service Honour – Bar to Service Medal for his long-term and voluntary service to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat Service.
SSILB is a voluntary and vital service for the Isle of Wight, in particular The Bay. The service provides 24/7 emergency response, saving countless lives each year, working closely with Sandown Beach Lifeguards (RBLG) during the busy Summer months, providing what seems like instant support to them during emergency situations.
Ethan Tanner-Rolf was awarded the RLSS UK Merit Honour – Young Lifesaver of the Year for his huge achievements in lifesaving, obtaining his Bronze Medallion earlier in the year, as well as volunteering huge amounts of his time to support Ryde and Sandown Beach Lifeguards.
Ethan even completed his Rescue Water Craft and RYA PWC training this summer. For a 15-year-old to show such commitment and competence in lifesaving, is something he should be tremendously proud of.
Todd Miller, RLSS IW Lifesaving Branch, has said:
“We are extremely proud to have put forward Mark and Ethan for their Honours awards. Their achievements are more than deserving of recognition, and we hope this will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
“On the Isle of Wight, we are surrounded by varying, busy and sometimes dangerous seas, and the safety of all those who enjoy or use the sea, for pleasure or for work, wouldn’t be possible without our young lifesavers, lifeguards, trainers and lifeboat stations, all that rely heavily on volunteers to keep us safe.
Article continues below this advertisement “So, a huge thank you to everyone who gives up their time to support lifesaving locally and nationally.”
Well done Mark, Well done Ethan.
I know Mark Lovely Guy with a Big Heart.
Well deserved Mark, and well done Ethan. Thank you for looking out for us.