ELEVEN members of Okehampton Otters completed a 12-week course of life-saving skills to earn Bronze Medallion and Life Support first aid awards.
Two younger members were also awarded their Rookies Lifesaver top four star award.
The awards celebrated the abilities of the swimmers to look after themselves and to help others. They had to demonstrate a sound knowledge of first aid, including resuscitation both on land and in the water, knowledge of water dangers, self-rescue and assisting others to safety in a variety of challenging situations.
Among other tests, the rescuers had to be able to swim 50m to a drowning person then pull them to safety before lifting them clear of the water and administering appropriate first aid.
Tony Clark, their trainer, said: 'In addition to the students learning life-saving skills which can be used in many situations, the swimmers have also learnt to help others as good citizens.'
Many of the students will also use the results to contribute to their sports GCSE results.
In addition to the bronze medallion, Okehampton Otters runs life saving courses for children aged from 8 to 11, who can swim four lengths.
The Rookie Lifeguard courses help youngsters to know the water dangers, take safety advice, learn methods of self-rescue, and how to help others.