BOLD DIVE Mr. Albert Court, the full-time mechanic of the Wells, Norfolk, life-boat, was peacefully ferrying visitors in his own boat across the harbour channel on 4th July, 1971, from the Cockle Strand. There was an cast north easterly wind force 3 to 4, a slight swell, and it was two hours before high water. At the same time five people were trying to wade across the channel in the fast flowing flood tide. They had previously been warned by Mr. Court and by the Coastguard against attempting a crossing by this method, but all warnings had been ignored.

When Mr. Court's boat came up with these people they were being literally swept off their feet by the tide. One was a young boy who fell into the water when his father, who was carrying him, lost his foothold. This 11-year-old boy, who could not swim, was carried away and pulled under the surface just as Mr. Court's boat reached the rest of the party. The survivorsmanaged to cling to the boat and were then helped on board by the passengers.

When Mr. Court saw the boy being swept past under water, he immediately dived in fully clothed and wearing sea-boots. He eventually landed the boy safely, aided by two men on the shore.

Mr. Court, it is understood, has frequently rendered assistance to people in difficulties in the water or stranded in his area.

The Committee of Management has accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum to Mr. Court..