Coastguard officer award for saving baby’s life
Yachting & Boating World: Coastguard Simon Bale was awarded qith a Royal Humane Society award for his life saving efforts after performing successful CPR on a baby boy and saving the life of six-month-old Sam Cooper-Stevens.
On 27 January 2013, Simon and the Watchet Coastguard were called to the scene where a strong gust of wind had blown a baby’s pram into the water at Watchet Harbour.
Luckily former Coastguard George Reeder was nearby and jumped in, rescuing the baby.
It then became apparent Sam needed urgent medical attention, so Mr Bale performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. Sam has since fully recovered.
The award was presented by the High Sheriff of Somerset Richard Lloyd and acknowledges acts of bravery in the saving of human life and for effecting successful resuscitations
On receiving the award Mr Bale said: “I would first of all like to praise the actions of all those involved in this rescue, including George who selflessly jumped in the water to get the baby boy, Tania who started CPR, the rest of the Watchet Coastguard Rescue Team and the attending fire and rescue officers from Williton who were all doing their part at the scene.”
“I’m honoured to be given this award and I accept it on behalf of all of those involved from the local community who worked together to help baby Sam. I’m so pleased that this rescue had a happy ending.”
