Jessica Neal and Elliot Harris

In April last year, Miss Neal and Mr Harris, both 22, arrived at the Bathing Pools for a swim when they saw a woman about 20 metres from the shore who was not moving. The pair swam out to check on her.
‘As we got closer, it became clear that she was in trouble. The waves were crashing over her and she was unable to breathe,’ said Miss Neal. They pulled the woman out of the water, struggling to find a stable place on the small, rocky beach during high tide. They attempted CPR and stayed by her side until the ambulance arrived. 
‘I am very honoured to be nominated, although I feel most people would have done the same in our situation,’ said Miss Neal. ‘It all happened so suddenly, we were just acting on adrenaline and wanted to give the lady the best chance of survival.’ 
Despite their efforts, the woman died in hospital the following day.
‘I feel sad we were not able to do more to help,’ said Miss Neal. ‘I will remember that day clearly forever.’ 
Mr Harris added: ‘I feel like everyone else who helped, including our friend Callum Wood, and the ambulance workers are equally deserving.' 
The pair have both been awarded a certificate and bronze medal by the Royal Humane Society as a commendation of their bravery for attempting to save the woman’s life.