A BEACH warden has been applauded for attempting to save the life of Blake Ward.

Blake, from Dudley, had his life support machine turned off by his family on 4 August after getting into difficulty in Tywyn’s sea four days earlier.

Gwynedd Council, which has been criticised for ignoring the RNLI’s advice and not installing registered lifeguards on the Tywyn seashore, has defended its position and has applauded the beach warden who was present on the day.

The brave beach warden, who administered CPR to Blake after helping to pull him from the sea, has not been named.

“A member of staff from Gwynedd Council’s Maritime Service was on duty in Tywyn on 31 July and noticed that three people had entered the sea near to the headland breakwater,” said a Gwynedd Council spokesperson.

“The member of staff became aware that the three people were experiencing difficulties in the sea and immediately contacted the emergency services.

“The council staff member then entered the sea to assist with providing immediate assistance. With support from other members of the public the member of staff was able to assist two of the individuals to the shore.

“All those involved proceeded to search for the third person who was quickly found and brought to shore with assistance from two members of the public. The council staff member then commenced administering CPR first aid to the third casualty assisted by members of the public until the emergency services arrived at the scene. The action taken by the staff member, members of the public and our partners is commendable.”

Beach wardens differ from lifeguards as they are not supposed to enter the water.

See this week’s north editions, in shops and online now