Two men honoured for Nuneaton lake rescue

Two men have been honoured by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue - for helping to save an adult and two children under the age of five in Nuneaton.

The incident took place on the 5th of March this year, when the car the children were in crashed through trees, turned upside down and became partly submerged in a lake.

Neil Gill and Steve Elston, who were driving between jobs for Currys, were flagged down by a concerned member of the public who told them that a car had gone through the trees. Neil and Steve managed to get all the occupants out to safety.

For their actions, the two men were presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation Award.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Brook of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service praised their life-saving efforts. “WFRS would like to thank Steve and Neil for their courageous actions after coming across a car on its roof and submerged in water. Their quick thinking and decisive actions, helping one adult and two young children to get out of the vehicle, has saved lives. It was a privilege to meet Steve and Neil in person and to present them with their well-deserved Chief Fire Officer’s commendations.”

Talking about the incident, Neil said, "It was a very emotional day that I will never forget. I hope the family involved are all doing well. I don't feel like a hero, I just did what was necessary."

Steve added, "A scary day, it makes you think about life differently."