Two firefighters have been hailed heroes following a dramatic sea rescue.

Billy Connor and Gary Slack almost certainly helped save the lives of two teenagers who had got into difficulties swimming off Tenby’s Castle Beach.

The firefighters were on community PR duties with four colleagues, watch manager Jeremy Lees, crew manager Chris James and firefighters Jeremy Rossiter and Dean Bowen, at the Round Table organised Summer Spectacular at the harbour when the drama unfolded.

A member of the public raised the alarm with the firefighters who immediately rushed to the beach.

Whilst watch manager Jeremy Lees called other emergency services for help, it was decided to effect an immediate water rescue, with firefighters and experienced swimmers Billy Connor and Gary Slack stripping off their uniforms and wading in up to their chests before swimming another five or six metres to reach the pair.

“There were three teenagers involved, but one had already made it to the shore,” explained Gary, 45.

“When we got to the beach, we initially attempted to get lifebouys and our lines out to them, but the boy and the girl were caught in the rip tide and kept going under the water, so we didn’t have any time to spare and had to go in,” he continued.

“Both teenagers were fortunately wearing wetsuits and that helped save them, too, but they were panicking and tiring very quickly.”

Whilst Gary went to the girl’s aid, Billy, 26, brought the boy ashore.

“As soon as I reached the girl she went limp,” added Gary. “She just gave up, but I managed to drag her ashore before Billy, who had rescued the boy, came back and we carried her out of the water.”

Both teenagers were given first aid on the shoreline, before being taken to the fire engine where St. John Ambulance volunteers, the firefighters and an off-duty medic attended to them before the arrival of paramedics.

They were taken to hospital following concerns over secondary drowning.

“The boy was very grateful and said afterwards that he was very lucky as he thought they were both going to die,” said Billy.

“I couldn’t quite believe what was going on when we first got down to the beach, but I suppose we were in the right place at the right time.”

Added watch manager Jeremy Lees: “Whilst I was on the telephone to the coastguard, I could see the lifeboat coming towards us over the horizon, so that was reassuring that I knew they and the ILB crew were on their way, but time just took over. It all happened so very quickly.”

The firefighters have since been praised for their actions by Tenby RNLI who have commended them for the ‘outstanding assistance rendered to a life-threatening situation.’

“The location of the incident has a reputation for strong current and swell conditions, which were evident on the day,” said Phil Rees, lifeboat operations manager.

“On behalf of the team at Tenby RNLI, I would like to thank everyone concerned, particularly firemen Billy Connor and Gary Slack for their teamwork and adaptability. Their management, assessment and diligence ensured the casualties were recovered quickly and safely.”