A teenage lifesaver who “didn’t think” as he leapt into the sea to save a drowning man has been honoured with a commendation.

Epping St John’s pupil David Castleman received the Certificate of Commendation from the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) after saving the man last month.

14-year-old David was walking with his family along the beach in Sea Palling, Norfolk, on July 23 when the 26-year-old man and an older swimmer got into trouble 50m out in the sea.

“I could hear screaming in the distance but dismissed it as people messing around,” said David.

“After walking closer a man approached us and asked for a strong swimmer.

“I didn’t really think too much, I just took off my shirt and ran into the sea.”

Reaching the limp and unconscious men, David noticed signs of life in the younger swimmer and used his lifeguard training to pull him to shore.

Others then gave him CPR while more people retrieved the older man, whose life could not be saved.

David received the “unexpected” commendation at Loughton Leisure Centre, where he learnt his lifesaving skills.

RLSS UK chief executive Di Steer said: “We were so pleased to hear about David using the skills he learnt through the RLSS UK Survive & Save programme to save the life of a member of public on his holiday.

“Our lifesaving award programmes teach lifesaving rescue, self-rescue and survival skills to all ages, whilst developing swimming ability and fitness.

“David is a clear example as to why it is important to have water safety and lifesaving skills.”

David said he was thinking about the incident “more than ever” as he got the commendation, but said he was pleased to receive it.

His swimming teacher Maureen Bennett said: “I am really proud that he was able to use the skills he learnt to save the life of a person.

“It is so, so important to have just some basic knowledge of water safety, you never know when and where you will need to use it.”

Epping St John’s head teacher Allan Osborne said: “David lives out our new Epping St John's motto 'Aspire Persevere Succeed'.

“He showed such courage and tenacity.

“We are so proud of him and I am honoured to know him.”