Boy, 9, dragged out by tide saved by 12-year-old who jumped into sea

22 August 2023 , 17:43

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Dexter, nine, and Theo, 12

A nine-year-old boy has thanked the quick-thinking youngster who saved him from drowning earlier this month.

Dexter Bowen panicked when he found himself being dragged out to sea by the tide. But luckily, Theo Pulman, 12, saw that he was in trouble and sprang into action. Theo – whose grandad, uncle and cousin are all RNLI volunteers – remembered the ‘Float to Live’ safety advice they had taught him.

He bravely jumped into the water, at the Old Harbour in Pembrey, South Wales, and encouraged Dexter to stay afloat until help arrived. Just as the RNLI advises, Theo told the boy to “lay on his back like a starfish and stay calm”. Dexter and Theo were rescued by the Burry Port RNLI team and taken to Glangwili Hospital. Both were released within 24 hours.

Dexter said: “I want to say thanks to Theo and the lifeboat crew for saving my life.” And Theo, whose grandad Andrew Pulman is the deputy launch authority at Burry Port RNLI, said: “I’m so happy Dexter’s OK. I think we’ll be friends for life. I can definitely see myself volunteering for the lifeboat when I’m older.”

The boys with Burry Port RNLI volunteers Nathan Gower and Lee Howell

RNLI crew member Nathan Gower added: “When we arrived at the beach, I had a shock to see my cousin Theo there. I’m unbelievably proud of his actions. By remembering the RNLI’s Float to Live advice, he saved Dexter’s life.” Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead for Wales, said: ‘Without the knowledge of Theo, the outcome of the incident could have been very different. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to lie on your back, relax and Float to Live.”

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Adam Aspinall