An Enniskillen man has received a national award for rescuing a drowning man from Lough Erne near Crom last November. Christopher Waldie was awarded a Testimonial on Vellum by the Royal Humane Society for his actions on 17 November.

Mr Waldie was working nearby when he heard shouts from the water. He dialled 999 and then entered the cold, weed-choked water to locate the man, who was struggling and already showing signs of hypothermia.

After finding the man, Mr Waldie managed to bring him aboard a boat and headed back to the jetty, calling emergency services again to update them. Police, ambulance, fire and coastguard crews were waiting when they arrived. Paramedics took over care of the rescued man, while Mr Waldie, who was also suffering from hypothermia, was helped to his car.

Andrew Chapman, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, praised Mr Waldie’s prompt action. He noted that the water was bitterly cold and full of weeds, yet Mr Waldie did not hesitate. Without that intervention, the man would have been unlikely to survive, Mr Chapman added. Mr Waldie’s training as a volunteer coastguard was also highlighted.

The Royal Humane Society, founded in 1774 by medical pioneers William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, is the leading national body for honouring life-saving bravery. It has considered more than 90,000 cases and made over 220,000 awards. The charity receives no public funding.