THE two lifeboat heroes who rescued a York man when he was swept out to sea on the Cornish coast have been honoured for their bravery.

David Nicklin, of Fulford, admitted he would be dead if not for the actions of RNLI lifeguards Chris Boundy and John Dugard, who plunged into treacherous waters, known locally as “the washing machine”, to drag Mr Nicklin to safety after he fell into the water while fishing on rocks.

The pair were each handed the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry by the Duke of Kent at London’s Barbican Centre yesterday, when Mr Nicklin was able to meet his rescuers again.

Shortly after the incident, in June last year, Mr Nicklin told The Press how he slipped from the rocks and was washed away by a four-foot wave.

“I couldn’t get to the top and my fishing line was wrapped around me,” he said. “The last thing I remember was being hurled towards some rocks and smashing my head.”

The 60-year-old was spotted in the water, unconscious, by Mr Boundy, who radioed his colleague and the pair plunged in to the sea.

They then battled through strong currents and around the rocks into the main beach gully, where, finally assisted by a large wave, they got Mr Nicklin to the shore and began repeated attempts at resuscitation, until they were rewarded with signs of life.

Graham Ferguson, a paramedic from South Western Ambulance Service, who attended the scene, said he was impressed with the lifeguards’ skill in resuscitating the casualty in such extreme conditions. “I cannot begin to express the admiration I have for these two incredibly brave and highly professional lifeguards,” he said.

“Their skill and resourcefulness has not only saved his life, but has allowed him to recover fully and completely.”

Mr Nicklin said: “I’m so pleased John and Chris are being recognised with this award, which they thoroughly deserve.

“They are two wonderful young men who did an amazing job. Without John and Chris I’d be dead.

“I can’t thank them enough – it’s impossible – because life is so precious and you’re a long time dead.”