Youngster who saved nine-year-old in dramatic sea rescue handed bravery award

A brave youngster has been honoured for saving the life of a nine-year-old who got into trouble off the coast.

Courageous Theo Pulman, 12, noticed Dexter Bowen struggling in the water and his quick-thinking to use the RNLI's Float to Live advice led him to call on the youngster to float like a starfish helped him to be safely rescued.

He had found himself in trouble and out of his depth in a pool created by the outgoing tide.

Theo, of Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, and Dexter have pledged to stay friends for life.

He said: "It was just a normal day with my friends and I just noticed he was struggling in the water.

"I told Dexter to lay on his back like a starfish and stay calm and breathe, don't panic and float to live.

"My father used to work in a lifeboat station, currently my uncle Jonathan he's working and my cousin Nathan and my gramps is working and he is has been working here for 30 years.

"My gramps has taught me a lot of things and just to be careful of the sea and where you go.

"The same with my father as well.

"What the danger bits are and what are alright and stuff.

"I think I would want to be in the RNLI when I'm older, I can see myself working with my granddad and my uncle.

"I'm glad that he is alright and glad that I'm alright and everyone is happy."

He added: "I think me and Dexter will be friends will be friends for our whole life."

Dexter fell into trouble in August 2023 and Theo was handed a bravery award at the Child of Wales Awards 2024 for his heroics.

He relied on the five steps of the RNLI's Float to Live to save Dexter, which includes tips on titling your head back, to relax and using your hands to stay afloat.

The pair were treated to a tour of the lifeboat station in Burry Port following what happened.

BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones flew in to congratulate him and other inspirational youngsters at the ceremony in Swansea Arena.

There were performances from singers Beverley Knight and Amy Wadge.

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White pledged to make dinner for terminally ill teenager Eden Lewis, 18, who won child of courage 13+ in a video message played on the night.

Gethin Jones said: "It's my third year of presenting the awards and I genuinely think they are my favourite awards of the year.

"I can't get over how these young people go through so much for different reasons and they somehow turn that adversity into a positive thing for people.

"I like to showcase that and show their bravery.

"They are all dealt with different cards in life and deal with it through their families."

Beverley Knight said she was delighted to be there to celebrate their achievements.

There were special messages from the cast of Gavin and Stacey and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Child of Wales founder and CEO Blanche Sainsbury said: "A community came together and created a night to remember for our young heroes and their families."