Hero teacher saves drowning woman’s life

Nigel, an ex-coastguard turned teacher at The King Alfred School Academy, in Somerset saved a Burnham-On-Sea woman’s life with his heroic actions and fast response.

His previous thirteen years of experience and training, working as a coastguard in Somerset, kicked in when he saw a crowd gathering at the top of the jetty.

Nigel tried to throw a rescue line to the woman, but his hopes were dashed as it did not cover the distance.

As the water began to rise, she began to move further and further out into the darkness. Fortunately, soon enough the emergency services arrived on the scene and were quickly able to retrieve the woman from the water.

Nigel was exceedingly thankful “for their quick response”.

Nigel said: “I saw someone stuck in the water at the end of the jetty and my training kicked in almost instantly. Thirteen years of experience in that position as a coastguard meant I knew what to do – it is second nature to me now. I was in the right place at the right time and happy to help.”

Mr Smith inspires students every day at The King Alfred School Academy.

Principal Nathan Jenkins said: “This was an amazing heroic act of quick thinking. We are very lucky to have many teachers just like Nigel, bringing learning to life every day, as well as inspiring students with heroic acts such as this one.”

Nigel is also a scout leader at the school’s very own Scout Group, and will be sharing this key life lesson in preparation and helping others with the scouts as well.

TKASA is part of the amazing The Priory Learning Trust in Somerset.