When Brentford shot-stopper Daniel Bentley is not saving goals on the pitch, he is saving lives off it. The Bees keeper saved a man from drowning whilst on holiday last Friday (June 16).

Bentley, 23, was previously staying with his girlfriend Laura Smith, 22, at the Bophut Koh Samui Resort in Thailand following his first season at Griffin Park since joining the club last July.

The former Arsenal academy graduate was said to have been leaning on the edge near the deepest part of the pool when he heard what was said to be ‘vigorous splashing’ from behind him.

Initially, Bentley thought that the man, Wang Jue from Shanghai in China, was not in danger but acted quickly once he realised that he in fact needed help.

“I thought he was just messing about, I did not think he was drowning at first,” he told Richmond & Twickenham Times. “It was only when I heard him choking that I realised he was actually drowning.”

It is unclear whether there were any lifeguards available at the time, however, the former Southend United goalkeeper swam as fast as he could to help Mr Jue before it became too late.

He was said to be ‘grasping on for dear life’ before Bentley brought the man to the shallow end of the pool to allow him time to recover from the initial shock.

Around 15 minutes later, he went to thank Bentley at his sun bed before his girlfriend came over to see if he was okay, having been frightened that he might not have survived in time.

“I was just happy to be able to save the guy and not ruin his or his girlfriend’s holiday!” Bentley said.

He told the 23-year-old that the club now had a new fan all the way from Shanghai after his heroics.

When asked whether he now realises the magnitude of his actions, he said: “I don’t think so, it just felt a normal thing to do.

“I don’t regard it as anything special contrary to what people have said to me. I just thought it was something anyone would have done.”

Giving advice to anyone who may be in a similar situation, whether as a potential life saver or someone who is not the strongest swimmer, he said: “I think people in water should always be careful, whether it be a pool or in natural water. I am no expert, but especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

“They also have to take their own safety into account, however, if there is someone in trouble, then obviously you do your best to help them.”

This is not the first time Bentley has stopped someone from drowning, as he once saved his then-six year old sister from drowning in a pool whilst on holiday in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Taking swimming lessons at school, he credits them for helping him aid others in life-threatening scenarios but does not consider himself an expert.

Now he prepares to help Brentford in their Sky Bet Championship campaign this coming season when they travel to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday August 5.

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