An RNLI beach lifeguard leapt into action to help an 84-year-old man who began choking on some food.

Josh Dunk, a lifeguard at Viking Bay, gave assistance to Broadstairs visitor, Tom Menzies, yesterday after he began choking and was struggling to breathe.

Tom was enjoying a picnic with his wife Pat along with his daughter and son in-law Jill and Phil Moore, when the drama unfolded.

On being alerted by the family, Josh delivered a series of five firm slaps to Tom’s back, dislodging the food and clearing his airway.

The incident perfectly illustrates the breadth of the work of RNLI lifeguards – from rescues in the open water, to safety advice and first aid on the sand.

Jill said: "Dad, mum, Phil and I all went to the beach as it was such a beautiful day.

"As dad and mum were staying with us for a holiday, we hired one of the chalets at Viking Bay, where we were enjoying a bite to eat and dad was just finishing a chipolata when he suddenly started coughing and choking.

"I tried to help dad and was going to do the Heimlich manoeuvre but I found it really difficult to hit him with the right amount of force – he’s 84 after all, so a bit more frail than he used to be.

"I was afraid I might break one or more of his ribs and make the problem even worse."

Jill said she decided to call an ambulance, but had no signal on her mobile.

Instead she rushed over to the RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit where Josh and fellow lifeguards were ready to act.

"My husband saw me running away and he thought I was going back to the road to try to get a phone signal in order to dial 999.

"But I was actually heading for the lifeguards – as soon as I told Josh what was happening to dad, he rushed over and took control of the situation.

"Josh was absolutely wonderful!

"I was really worried in case someone was in trouble in the water.

"I wonder if other people, like me, don’t realise the range of skills the lifeguards have.

"Josh was brilliant and he told us first aid incidents like this are all part and parcel of the RNLI’s responsibility to keep beachgoers safe, whether that’s in the water or on the sand."

Despite being shaken, after Josh’s actions, Tom was able to breathe again and did not need any further medical assistance.

Lucy Jane Macgowan, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Kent: "I’m really proud of Josh – this was a great response and he did exactly what all our lifeguards are trained to do.

"He remained calm, reassured the family, and most importantly, took decisive action to help Tom and clear his airways.

"I’m really proud of him and I am just so pleased Tom was OK."

Tom himself returned to his daughter’s apartment after the incident to rest, but by the evening was up and about and ventured back into town.

He said: "The whole thing was a little frightening – who would have thought a cocktail sausage could cause so much worry!"