Coastguard and one of our long term training kickboxing black belts from MMAX school in Swanage was announced in the news for risking his life in a bid to rescue a young woman. He has been given the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for Exemplary Bravery.

HM Coastguard Officer, Ian Bugler who has been a volunteer for St Albans Head Coastguard Rescue Team for 25 years, has been given the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his attempt to rescue a woman who was trapped in water off Tilly Whim caves in Dorset in November 2013.

Ian, who is a Deputy Station Officer, said: ‘I’m honoured to receive this award which I feel I am receiving on behalf of all my colleagues out on the coast. We will always respond to the call for help, but we don’t always know what we’re going to. My father who was Station Officer had to watch while I went down into the blowhole not knowing if I would come out again. Although it’s an honour to receive this award, it’s tinged with sadness that we weren’t able to rescue the woman that day. It’s a reminder that the coast can be a dangerous place and why we need as coastguards to always be ready to respond when someone calls 999 and asks for help.’

Congratulation Ian from all the coaches Helen, Bruce and students at Swanage martial arts school for receiving this outstanding award. He is also one of the nicest people you could meet.