Gyllyngvase Surf Lifesaving Club's (SLSC) captain won a national award for her heroic actions during her first-ever lifeguard shift at the age of 16.

It was Olivia Holmes' first shift volunteering as an RNLI lifeguard, and she got to the beach early to prepare.

Soon afterwards a beach user suffered a medical emergency, and in the first minute of her first lifeguard shift, Olivia took control of the situation.

Once her more experienced colleagues arrived, she managed the scene and helped to clear the beach so the air ambulance could land.

She was recognised for her efforts at the Surf Life Saving GB's (SLSGB) Heroes of the Surf awards on Saturday and won the Surf Life Saver of the Year award for her actions.

It was the top award of the evening and very hard to come by with over 9,500 other eligible members.

Olivia said: "I feel incredibly privileged to have received the award. Both the RNLI and Gyllyngvase Surf Lifesaving Club have been really supportive following the incident.”

Former club chairman and lifeguard trainer Matthew Stone was also recognised for his work with the club.

Matthew received the Services to Lifesaving award for co-founding Gyllyngvase SLSC and chairing it for the past 10 years and for volunteering as a lifeguard trainer.

He has qualified more than 200 lifesavers and beach lifeguards over the years.

Current club chairman Simon Thomasson said: "The club is extremely proud of Olivia and Matt for being recognised at these awards and it shows the importance of lifesaving and training our lifeguards of tomorrow.”

SLSGB ‘Heroes of the Surf’ are awards in recognition of SLSGB Members who have demonstrated a commitment to life saving. All heroes are nominated by their peers and are recognised for:

• An act of extreme bravery

• Providing outstanding services to Surf Life Saving

• Long standing commitment to SLSGB

• Services to Lifesaving sport

A spokesperson for Surf Life Saving GB said: “There is so much great work happening with in SLSGB Clubs across the country and our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, dedicated to making our beaches and water ways safer. We really value the chance to recognise the people who are making a difference and award those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

By training with Gyllyngvase SLSC as a member, participants will learn how to save lives in the sea. Techniques from CPR and resuscitation to board paddling, signals and rescue methods are taught.

Once qualified, there is an opportunity to volunteer on local beaches in the summer seasons with the RNLI Lifeguard service.

To find out more, visit www.gyllysurf.org.uk.