LIFEGUARDS that patrol the beaches in the Newquay area have been commended for their efforts saving lives throughout the season.

Saul Woodfinden has been named lifeguard of the year in the Newquay Lifeguard Awards 2024 after helping save a number of lives at Fistral Beach throughout the season.

Saul Woodfinden was named lifeguard of the year
Saul Woodfinden was named lifeguard of the year (Submitted)

The most improved lifeguard accolade went to Jordan Zervas and rookie lifeguard of the year for 2024 was awarded to Elenie Shotton and Harry Manderson.

The most improved lifeguard accolade went to Jordan Zervas
The most improved lifeguard accolade went to Jordan Zervas (Submitted)
(L-R) Elenie Shotton and Harry Manderson were awarded the rookie lifeguard of the year award
(L-R) Elenie Shotton and Harry Manderson were awarded the rookie lifeguard of the year award (Submitted)

Crantock Beach lifeguards won the rescue footage of the year award, which will feature in the forthcoming BBC Saving Lives at Sea television series.

The Gareth Nicholas memorial award was presented to Fistral lifeguards who carried out two successful CPR incidents in 2024.

The Gareth Nicholas memorial award was presented to Fistral lifeguards who carried out two successful CPR incidents in 2024.
The Gareth Nicholas memorial award was presented to Fistral lifeguards who carried out two successful CPR incidents in 2024

Twenty six members of the lifeguard team were also presented with King’s Coronation medals for having completed a minimum of five years of service prior to King Charles III’s Coronation in 2023.

(L-R) Harry Pleasants and Sonny Timson collected the commendations on behalf of the teams involved in the two incidents
Letters of commendation from the head of the Southwest region were awarded for each life saved at Fistral through CPR. (L-R) Harry Pleasants and Sonny Timson collected the commendations on behalf of the teams involved in the two incidents

Lewis Timson, the lead lifeguard manger in Newquay, said: “We would like to thank all our Lifeguards and support team for a great 2024 season.

“It has been very busy but very rewarding with multiple lives saved in Newquay alone. We have acknowledged some outstanding performances with our fantastic team.

“Experienced senior lifeguard Saul Woodfinden was named lifeguard of the year.

“Most improved lifeguard was awarded to Jordan Zervas. He was a grade three lifeguard who was developed to begin his progression to a senior lifeguard in 2024.

“Jordan performed brilliantly and is well on his way to being promoted to the higher grade. Rookie lifeguard of the year was actually award to two lifeguards this year, Elenie Shotton and Harry Manderson who joined the service as grade one lifeguards at Easter.

“They have shown great commitment and professionalism and have exceeded expectations in their progression.

“Lifeguard footage of the year was awarded to the Crantock lifeguard team.

“They have captured two stories for the new upcoming BBC series of ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ which highlights the great work the teams do around our coastline.

“A massive thank you to these individuals and the whole team. They represent our service and serve our community to the highest level.”