TWO BROTHERS hailed as "heroes" after they dived into stormy waters to save a woman's life in Newquay have been commended for their "courageous" rescue.
Martin and Dave Marney, 41 and 45, leapt into action one evening in October after spotting a woman floating 100 metres from Little Fistral beach.
Amanda Docherty had been swept out to sea in the fierce conditions after jumping into rescue her friend's dog.
The brothers - experienced swimmers with lifeguard qualifications – stripped down to their underwear and dived in to save her.
The pair worked for 25 minutes to keep Amanda afloat before the trio were picked up by an RNLI lifeboat.
Amanda was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, in Truro, and was later discharged.
The modest brothers have been hailed "heroes" by rescue services and have now received a Certificate of Commendation from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Brother David, from Newquay, said the award would make their mum "very happy".
"We can't quite believe that after two months we are being so highly recognised for helping to save Amanda," he said.
"I was pleased I had done something to help. It was not that great, what we did. We just swam out and helped her. Anyone would have done it if they could swim.
"It was the lifeboat that saved her. It just goes to show that we need our lifeboats."
Amanda - who has since publicly thanked the brothers for saving her life - had been walking her pal's dog, Ollie, when he slipped into the water and she jumped in after him.
The pooch, a 'Sprollie', managed to clamber ashore but Amanda was swept out to sea on Tuesday, October 16.
A spokeswoman for the society said it was an "honour" to present Martin and David with the award.
"There is no doubt that their act of courage and proficient rescue has meant that a young woman is able to enjoy her life for many years to come," she said.
"The brothers were both ecstatic and humble in their acceptance of the award and it was a pleasure to be able to meet them."
Martin and Dave Marney, 41 and 45, leapt into action one evening in October after spotting a woman floating 100 metres from Little Fistral beach.
Amanda Docherty had been swept out to sea in the fierce conditions after jumping into rescue her friend's dog.
The brothers - experienced swimmers with lifeguard qualifications – stripped down to their underwear and dived in to save her.
The pair worked for 25 minutes to keep Amanda afloat before the trio were picked up by an RNLI lifeboat.
Amanda was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, in Truro, and was later discharged.
The modest brothers have been hailed "heroes" by rescue services and have now received a Certificate of Commendation from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Brother David, from Newquay, said the award would make their mum "very happy".
"We can't quite believe that after two months we are being so highly recognised for helping to save Amanda," he said.
"I was pleased I had done something to help. It was not that great, what we did. We just swam out and helped her. Anyone would have done it if they could swim.
"It was the lifeboat that saved her. It just goes to show that we need our lifeboats."
Amanda - who has since publicly thanked the brothers for saving her life - had been walking her pal's dog, Ollie, when he slipped into the water and she jumped in after him.
The pooch, a 'Sprollie', managed to clamber ashore but Amanda was swept out to sea on Tuesday, October 16.
A spokeswoman for the society said it was an "honour" to present Martin and David with the award.
"There is no doubt that their act of courage and proficient rescue has meant that a young woman is able to enjoy her life for many years to come," she said.
"The brothers were both ecstatic and humble in their acceptance of the award and it was a pleasure to be able to meet them."
