A St. David's woman who risked her own life to jump into the sea to save a drowning man at the weekend was hailed last night by Police as a hero.

Gillian Kingsly plunged into the water off Ordnance Island, St. George's, at 1.45 a.m. yesterday when she became alarmed after spotting the man floundering in the sea.

Ms Kingsly, 36, of Texas Road, St. David's, managed to pull the man safely onto the shore, and with the aid of Leslie Furbert, put him in the recovery position.

Emergency services were called and an ambulance later rushed the man to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Police said the 57-year-old St. David's man was not suffering from life-threatening injuries, and last night the hospital said was recovering and in a "stable" condition.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said last night that Ms Kingsly's quick-thinking and selfless actions in the early hours rescue may have saved the man's life.

He said: "We should applaud any member of the community who comes to the aid of anyone in distress.

"She should be commended for an act of bravery, a selfless effort to make sure that this Bermudian was saved. It was a selfless act," Mr. Caines explained. "She saw the man in the water and it appeared that he had fallen overboard and was in some distress waving his hands about.

"She decided to jump in and managed to bring him to the shore where she was assisted in putting him into the recovery position."

It is understood the man may have been drinking before getting into difficulties in the water.

Ms Kingsly could not be contacted for comment yesterday. The Bermuda Bravery Association hands out awards each year to individuals who have shown outstanding courage to help others.

The awards, which are presented by the Governor, are frequently handed out to individuals involved in sea rescues.