TWO brothers who saved a family in danger of drowning off the Suffolk coast are to receive a special commendation to mark their quick-thinking heroism.

TWO brothers who saved a family in danger of drowning off the Suffolk coast are to receive a special commendation to mark their quick-thinking heroism.

Daniel and Jason Rodd, who are 14 and 12, were enjoying a day on Southwold beach in the summer when then saw a woman had got into trouble off the town's harbour.

The youngsters, who are members of Ipswich swimming club, immediately put their life-saving skills into action.

The woman, Jacqueline Flint, 44, had attracted the attention of her husband Michael, 42, and brother Stephen Rice - but all three had got into difficulty because of the strong currents off the coast.

Daniel and Jason used body boards to swim out 30 metres to rescue the trio and bring them safely back to shore.

Now they are to be given Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Vellum signed by the society's president Princes Alexandra at a special ceremony next month.

It will be the second presentation for the lads - in September they were given Great Britain swimming team t-shirts by Dave Champion, head coach at the Ipswich Swimming Club.

The Humane Society's secretary, Maj Gen David Pennefather, said they had certainly saved lives during their visit to Southwold.

He said: “Without doubt, if not for the brave and expert intervention of these two boys, one or more people would have died. They are a credit to their swimming club and to their families.

The boys' mother, Carol, said that everyone in the family was delighted to hear about the award.

She said: “I'm very proud of them. A nice day on the beach turned into something quite dramatic.”

Weblink: www. Royalhumane.org

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