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Three firefighters who saved a man's life in a dramatic nighttime rescue amid "treacherous" conditions in St Ouen's Bay last year have been recognised with an award for their bravery.
Jonny Burch and Chris Sweeney have received the Jersey Humane Society Silver Medal, while Nick Willis was presented with the Society's Bravery Parchment.
The trio faced treacherous conditions with rough seas and high tides as they battled to rescue a lone swimmer caught in the surf last summer.
The man, who was not wearing a wetsuit or flotation device, was repeatedly thrown against the sea wall by breaking waves in darkness.
The conditions were too rough to enable a boat to be used and left one of the firefighters needing hospital treatment.
Watch: The successful rescue of a swimmer in distress in St Ouen's Bay last year (Evan Smith and Jersey Fire & Rescue Service)
The man was eventually brought ashore following a rescue which was captured on video and widely shared on social media.
Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown said the service was "immensely proud" of the men, who received awards from Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd at a ceremony at Government House on Friday.
"There is no doubt that the efforts of the crew saved the life of the man in the water. It took several attempts to get the casualty to safety, due to the high tide, strong swell and rough conditions," Mr Brown said.
"This rescue is in the best traditions of our profession, and a firm reminder of how Jersey firefighters are prepared every day to put themselves in harm's way to save lives."
Pictured: Firefirghters Jonny Burch, Chris Sweeney and Nick Willis.
The Jersey Humane Society recognises "individual acts of gallantry, courage and self-sacrifice in saving or attempting to save life".
Previous JHS honourees include Max Denby, Lucas Parker and Adam Vautier, who were recognised in 2016.
Mr Parker saved a man from drowning off Grève d’Azette, and Mr Vautier helped stop a speeding jetski from crashing into swimmers in St Aubin’s Bay, while teenager Max Denby rescued two men in when they got into difficulty 50 metres off Elizabeth Castle as they were trying to get back to shore.
Two years later, Ibby Gault, a young surfer who single-handedly rescued a struggling swimmer by bringing her to safety on her surfboard in 2018 when she was in Year 10.
In February 2019, septuagenarian swimmer Frank Laine jumped into the freezing sea at St Brelade's Bay to rescue a woman struggling with hypothermia.
Speaking on behalf of the society, Paul Battrick lauded the firefighters for having "put their lives at risk" in "horrendous conditions" last year.
He added: "Words can never explain what they went through, but the video shows the power of the sea and the conditions they faced.
"We all know what a wonderful job they do, but it's not very often that you see it. We all should be very proud of them."
Mr Burch said the incident showed the importance of teamwork and ensuring "your team to have your back when needed".
He added: "It was great to share the day with my family at Government House and it was such an honour to be recognised in this way."
Pictured: The Government House ceremony took place on Friday.
Mr Sweeney said he knew that the society's Silver Medals were rarely awarded, which "makes it feel extra special".
Mr Willis added: "It was a real thrill for me to be recognised for my small contribution to this difficult high tide rescue which we performed last summer.
"It was a treat to have my family with me at Government House and I was very proud to see my colleagues receive their Jersey Humane Society silver medals."
WATCH: "It could have easily gone the other way"
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