Scouts reward Kirstie for her brave sea rescue
Courageous Kirstie Greenslade has won a top Scouting award for bravery after she saved a man from drowning off the Thanet Coast.
The plucky 17-year-old, from Broadstairs, was sailing in her dinghy when she spotted someone lying face down in the water.
Realising he was in danger, she leapt into the sea and managed to turn him over, get his head out of the water and pull him to safety.
The teenager, a student at St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, said: “I was sailing with my friend at Viking Bay in the summer when we saw a man floating unconscious in the sea. I didn’t think twice about jumping into the water to help him and I feel really honoured to receive a medal for bravery on my 17th birthday.”
Kirstie, who is a young leader with the 1st St Peter-in-Thanet Scout Group, summoned the help of lifeguards and fellow members of the Broadstairs Sailing Club, who were able to administer vital first aid.
She said: “I love water-sports. I’m usually out sailing two or three times a week between March and November or taking younger Scouts rowing or power-boating. I’d never been involved in a rescue before, though.”
Coastguard Pete Overton said he was “very impressed” with Kirstie’s efforts and offered his congratulations.
He said: “By keeping a cool head and stopping her boat to assist someone in trouble, she upheld the traditions of all seafarers. I have no doubt that she saved this man’s life. She deserves to be praised for her bravery, especially at her age.”
Reproduced by kind permission of Martin Jefferies from the Thanet Extra.
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