William Adams (25 January 1864 – 14 October 1913) was a lifesaver, swimmer and swimming instructor from Gorleston on the east coast of England.

He worked as a tinsmith in the winter months but every summer he would return to his alternative occupation as a bathing hut attendant and swimming instructor on Gorleston beach.

In 1890 William Adams was the proud recipient of the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal for his bravery in rescuing a local lad named Robert Drane.

He soon became well known as the "Hero of Gorleston Pier" and reports of his rescues appeared with great regularity in the local, national and also international press.

Another famous rescue occurred when Adams swam out to sea and brought safely to shore a rowing boat which contained two couples.

[7] In 1881 the annual Gorleston Marine Regatta added a 400 yards swimming contest for a gold challenge medal and a silver cup to its programme of events.

[8] He coached some of the best swimmers of the day and gave lessons to many schools and clubs, acquiring the title of "Professor" Adams in the process.

Ritso spoke of this final act of bravery in his moving funeral address: It was the beginning of the end, but when afterwards his wife gently chided him for his rashness, he said, "Could I stand there and see a man drown?"

[12]Reading the Great Yarmouth Mercury account of the funeral it is clear that William Adams had been held in the very highest regard by his fellow townspeople: The flag was flown at half mast above the grey old tower and on the adjoining Recreation Ground the Gorleston football players wore black armlets as a token of respectful sympathy.

[15] The life saving legacy of William Adams was recognised on 28 May 2004 when a Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society blue plaque was unveiled at his former home, 199 Bells Road.

William Adams Way serves as a main route into Gorleston and also as a key access road for the Great Yarmouth third river crossing.