A brave PE teacher has been hailed a hero after saving a young man’s life during his summer holiday.
Quick thinking Michael Richards was holidaying in sunny Fuerteventura when he spotted fellow tourist, Ishtiaq ‘Ishy’ Chowdhury shouting for help as he began to drown in a hotel swimming pool.
And taking everyone by surprise, he leapt into the water and saved the 20-year old from drowning, astonishing onlookers with his courage.
And Michael, who works at St Ninian’s High School in East Renfrewshire and is a local driving instructor has been living in Troon for the past 20 years.
He told the Ayrshire Post : “It was my line of duty.
“I’ve always been a strong swimmer and when I was young I took life saving training.
“As a PE teacher, I’ve taken safety courses over the years and when I noticed Ishy drowning I knew I had to do something.
“Unfortunately he missed the last step in the swimming pool and fell forward, he was out of his depth and was holding onto his girlfriend Becky whilst trying to save himself.
“It was really fulfilling knowing that I reacted quickly and made a real difference.
“It was an unforgettable holiday.”
Proud partner, Jacqueline-Brogan Smith added:“I could not be prouder of him, all of his family and friends are.
“After the incident, we met up with Ishy and Becky one night and we’ve kept in touch.
“He swims every morning before half past nine and we started a joke that he swims like a fish.
“It was such a natural reaction from him and it is incredible to think Michael has saved a life.”
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