Coastguard awarded a Commendation for saving a man’s life

HM Coastguard, Carl Robinson 
As we help support the Samaritans during Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re sharing the message that reaching out and talking to someone could make all the difference and could even save a life.  And that’s exactly what happened when a Scarborough Coastguard Rescue Officer reached out and saved the life of a troubled man off the Yorkshire coast.  
Carl Robinson, who is a Coastguard volunteer for Scarborough Coastguard Rescue Team was called to the incident by North Yorkshire Police, along with the rest of his team late last year.
When the team arrived they found a very distressed man in need of assistance.   By talking to the man for some time, Carl was able to build a trusting rapport with the man.  His patience and kindness enabled him to eventually return the man to a safer location, where he could get the help he needed.
Carl’s heroic actions were recently recognised at a special award ceremony last Friday evening where he was honoured with a Coastguard Commendation for Meritorious Service.
Speaking after the event, Carl said that he had just acted on instinct, and didn’t expect a commendation award.
He said: “I feel very honoured that I was in the right place at the right time to be able to assist our North Yorkshire Police colleagues and help a man who was clearly in need of someone to talk to. I just acted on instinct and reached out to him. 
“Talking to him made all the difference.”
Director of HM Coastguard Richard Parkes said: “Carl’s outstanding actions were instrumental in bringing this man to safety.  In saving the man’s life, he has demonstrated the very essence of what being a Coastguard stands for and he upholds the highest traditions of Her Majesty’s Coastguard.”   
Loneliness and isolation can have a big impact on mental health and well-being.  By reaching out and talking to someone you could help save a life.  If you feel like you need to talk to someone please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

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