Heathfield man is honoured for his dramatic sea rescue at last year’s Airbourne

A Heathfield man who risked his own life to rescue an unconscious swimmer during last year’s Eastbourne Airbourne show is to receive one of the country’s highest lifesaving honours.

A Heathfield man who risked his own life to rescue an unconscious swimmer during last year’s Eastbourne Airbourne show is to receive one of the country’s highest lifesaving honours. Mark Jackson had joined thousands of visitors watching the aircraft displays over Eastbourne last August when his attention was suddenly drawn away from the skies and towards the sea.

Despite warnings from the RNLI and red flags advising people not to enter the water, Mark spotted three people struggling in metre-high waves and strong currents. Two of the swimmers managed to make it safely back to shore, but a third person was lying face down in the water and appeared to be unconscious.

Realising the man was in immediate danger, Mark did not hesitate.

He ran into the sea, swam through the heavy waves and strong currents and reached the casualty. He then managed to pull the unconscious man back towards the beach.

By this time, other people had realised what was happening and rushed to help bring the man ashore. Coastguards and paramedics then worked to resuscitate him before he was taken to hospital, where he remained for three days before being discharged.

Mark’s bravery has now been recognised by the Royal Humane Society, which is awarding him its rarely presented Bronze Medal for putting his own life at risk to save another.

Mark’s bravery has now been recognised by the Royal Humane Society, which is awarding him its rarely presented Bronze Medal for putting his own life at risk to save another.

Andrew Chapman, Secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said Mark’s actions were truly heroic.

“There were red flags warning people not to go into the sea and warnings about the danger had been issued by the RNLI,” he said.

“Although Mark must have realised the danger he was putting himself in, he didn’t hesitate to enter the heavy seas and save the man from drowning.

“He was a true hero. Very few of our Bronze Medals are awarded, but without doubt this one is truly deserved.”

The Royal Humane Society has been recognising acts of bravery for almost 250 years. Founded in 1774 by doctors William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, it originally aimed to promote lifesaving and resuscitation techniques.

As more people risked their own safety to save others, the Society developed a national awards scheme recognising exceptional courage.

Since its foundation, the charity has considered more than 90,000 cases and presented over 220,000 awards. It receives no public funding and relies on voluntary donations.

As Airbourne returns this August people are being asked to beware of the dangers posed by the sea

With Eastbourne Airbourne returning this August, Mark’s story is also a timely reminder of how quickly conditions at sea can become dangerous — and of the extraordinary courage shown by one local man when another person desperately needed help. The air show takes place with the dramatic backdrop of the sea, the local lifeguard team assisted 52 people during the four day event last year. It’s important to remember that putting yourself in danger puts others in danger too – best to pay attention to warnings and keep out of the sea during the event. Emergency services have lots to contend with during such a well attended free public event.