AS Storm Arwen took hold across the country at the weekend, five lifeguards from Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club were undertaking their rescue boat awards.

Exam conditions were tricky in winds gusting 30mph as the crews used their boat handling skills to undertake several simulated rescues.

These included deploying a rescue swimmer from the boat, recovery of people from rocks, recovery of a casualty with spinal injuries as well as a two hour theory exam.

Oliver Knapman and Archie Mayhew qualified as rescue boat drivers, with Hannah Greenwod, Joe Rodwell and Russ Porter qualifing as rescue crew.

Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club operates two 3.5 metre inflatable rescue boats who train all year round

Club captain, Dominic Round said: ‘The newly qualified boat operators will enhance the club’s capability.

‘As well as training we provide voluntary lifeguard cover on the beaches and at open water swimming events.

‘We are also a declared search and rescue asset with the Coastguard and have recently been engaged with water based searches for missing people on behalf of the police.’

Further information about the lifesaving club can be found on their website: http://www.tbslsc.org.uk