Ryde Beach Lifeguards' Solent swim and Isle of Wight award

The 14-person team, made up of lifeguards and beach safety volunteers, were presented with the award for their outstanding actions in helping to keep beachgoers safe this summer.

Set up 2011 and funded by Ryde Town Council, there is now a centre of excellence for lifeguard training, as well as drowning prevention talks and a sea safe programme.

Louise Walker, Ambulance Education, Training and Engagement Lead said: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the care and attention the Lifeguards give to the public at both Ryde and Sandown beaches."

Victoria White, director of operations, Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service (left), Louise Walker, ambulance education, training and engagement lead for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service and members of the Ryde Beach Lifeguards.

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Louise said: "Their ongoing training, safety awareness and prevention programmes are highly commendable, the team truly is an asset to our Island community."

Lifeguards keep an eye on Ryde and Sandown beaches, from 11am to 6pm, everyday, during July and August.

Todd Miller, Beach Manager, said: "I am personally very passionate about the services we deliver at both Ryde and Sandown, and this is passed down to the team who I know work extremely hard every day to ensure the safety of everyone on our beaches.

"To receive an award and recognition from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service for the work we do, means the world to myself and the team. Thank you.

"Equally we are tremendously grateful for all the support we receive from all the emergency services throughout the summer months."

• Read more: Five children rescued by emergency teams at Ryde beach

Jack Robertson, Jess Heng, Mason Adams, Becca Woodford, Mary Caddick and JoJo Jeffcoate with Ryde Mayor Michael Lilley.

Meanwhile, six intrepid lifeguards took on a challenge three mile swim across the Solent, from GAFIRS in Gosport to Ryde on Thursday. 

They are rasing cash for a rescue jet ski and sled, for the Isle of Wight in 2023.

Jack Robertson, Jess Heng, Mason Adams, Becca Woodford, Mary Caddick and JoJo Jeffcoate all completed the challenge, with the first to finish in just over 1hour 30 minutes. 

They gathered over £1,000 and there were thanks to Griffin Marine Services and East Cowes Marina for supporting the challenge with safety cover for the event, the kayakers who accompanied them and Ryde Mayor Michael Lilley, who was waiting on the shore to meet them. 

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