An off-duty fireman helped rescue a young holidaymaker who got into trouble while surfing off the coast of St Agnes.
Howard Davey, 44, a fireman of 20 years who is normally stationed at Camborne but is currently based in Newquay, was body boarding on Saturday when he spotted Iona Steen, 28, struggling in the water.
The holidaymaker from Brighton had spent two hours surfing at St Agnes, but after a break, had gone back in to the water without her wet suit.
She said: "With hindsight I was very tired and I just kept being pushed under the water and I got very distressed."
Long-time member of St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club, Mr Davey heard Iona calling for help.
At this point she was about 60 metres from the shore and struggling in the surf.
He swam to the woman and reassured her while encouraging her to kick her legs.
It was then RNLI lifeguard Dan Stirling approached the pair on his rescue board.
Howard added: "It was then Iona became very limp and Dan carried her out from the water. For me it was a classic case of being in the right place at the right time."
Iona spoke of her relief at being spotted by Howard, saying: "I was pretty dazed but he was really great and I felt very safe. In fact everyone was brilliant and I was very impressed with the whole team from Howard to Dan and all the others who helped me, including the paramedics and hospital staff."
Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes and communities Geoff Brown, praised the fireman's quick actions, saying: "This is an excellent example of someone using their skills and training to save a life and Howard's prompt and decisive actions are to be commended."
