JUST a regular guy who likes to keep active and socialise with his mates, that’s how those closest have described the teenager who jumped into the Cleddau and dragged one of victims out during the paddleboarding tragedy in Haverfordwest over the weekend.

Twenty-year-old Joel Williams was going to get his hair cut before heading out in the evening when he heard people shouting for help as he reached the bridge at County Hall.

From there Joel tried to help a man on the banks of the river before seeing a woman’s body pass him by in the water.

His cousin, Bethan Williams, who sees Joel as a little brother, was in London on the day of the tragic event but when Joel’s mum told her what Joel had done she immediately phoned him to find out what was going on.

“He told me he was going into Haverfordwest for a haircut because he had planned to go out in the evening.

“He was walking towards the bridge and heard people shouting out for help. He tried to rescue a man from the side of the river with the buoyancy aids, and while he was trying to rescue him he saw a woman in the river flowing away from him so he jumped in and managed to get her out and did CPR until the emergency services came.”

Bethan agreed with Natasha, Joel’s mother, that nothing phases Joel and he just did what he felt he had to do.

“He is very chilled out,” said Bethan. “He does not like fuss. To him he has not done anything special. If it happened again he would just do the same. His main concern is about the families and their welfare.”

Bethan said that while Joel does not want any attention, the family want him to get recognition for his bravery.

“It has been mixed emotions because I treat him like a little brother so worry comes first but the whole family have always been so proud of him, but this goes beyond everything.

“He likes socialising with his mates, playing football, going for drinks. He keeps himself to himself but we are proud he is getting the recognition he deserves.”