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A hero lifeguard’s honeymoon in India took a dramatic twist when he was forced to use his life-saving expertise to rescue a fellow tourist.

Phil Blackwood, a member of the RNLI, was holidaying in Kerala, in the south of the Asian country, with his new wife – and fellow lifeguard – Anna Clements.

But while relaxing on Varkala Beach, the 35-year-old’s attention was suddenly drawn to a man out at sea who was in difficulty.

The man, a Russian tourist named Michail Sukachev, had been swept out to sea by strong currents while his own wife and one-year-old son were left helpless on the shore.

And so Phil, from Llangrannog in Ceredigion , took his surfboard and paddled out to Michail, who had initially appeared to have ignored the whistles of local lifeguards.

(Image: RNLI)

Michail was unable to swim because of limited mobility along one side of his body as a result of an accident 14 years ago.

Phil stabilised Michail on his surfboard, suspecting the stricken man might have sustained new spinal injuries.

He then had to do all he could to ensure the pair did not get swept into a nearby rocky cove.

And even after local lifeguards turned up with a surf rescue board Phil took over in steering Michail back to shore.

“At this point I was still concerned for his spine so was determined not to lose him in the waves,” Phil said.

“Fortunately only one wave crashed onto us and between me dangling off the back and the lifeguard catching the nose of the board we got him in unscathed.

“When we returned to the beach a large crowd had gathered, including Michail’s wife and one-year-old son who were obviously delighted to see him safe.

(Image: RNLI)

Michail, 35, and his family later met Phil and Anna and thanked Phil for rescuing him.

“I was enjoying the water and the sunshine but then some big waves came and knocked me off my feet,” the Russian said.

“After a while I could no longer feel the bottom, it had gone, and I knew I couldn’t swim so I was in big trouble and began to panic.

“I started to shout and wave but I began sinking. I tried waving for help and shouting but every time I try something I began to go under.

“Then I saw the surfer was coming towards me and at first thought he was not going to help, then he gave me his board to hold and I grabbed his hand. Then I began to relax and I knew I was saved.

(Image: RNLI)

“Other lifeguards came and they took me back to my wife and family on the beach. Without them I do not know what would have happened that day – they are my saviours.”

Phil, meanwhile, has praised the work of the local lifeguards despite the limited kit they have with which to work.

“They do not have radios, binoculars, fins, surf craft or any of the equipment we take for granted as lifeguards in the UK,” Phil said.

“But they still do an incredible job. In this case the whistle which I heard was the key factor in reaching Michail in time before he had been swept further north under the cliffs and in more serious danger.

“The first lifeguard who reached us said he saves around 70 people a year from the water.”

(Image: RNLI)

Michael Vincent, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: “All RNLI lifeguards receive full rescue and first aid training but I’ve never heard of it being put into good use on honeymoon before.

“This incident just goes to show that our lifeguards training makes them ready to respond whenever the need arises.

“We look forward to having Phil as part of our Ceredigion lifeguard team again this summer.”

Watch: Anglesey RNLI crews rescue dog after 40-metre cliff fall