Off-duty RNLI lifeguard supervisors in Thanet rescue two surfers caught in rip

On Sunday 18 October at approximately 4pm, RNLI lifeguard supervisors from Thanet, James Ringo and Tom Walton, rescued two surfers at Joss Bay after they became caught in a rip current and were unable to make their way back to shore.

RNLI lifeguard supervisors James and Tom were off-duty and heading to the beach for a surf, having finished the RNLI lifeguard season at the end of September.

The two surfers had entered the water in 4-5ft surf conditions where there were heavy waves and strong rip currents. After one surfer lost their surfboard, their friend helped keep them afloat. However, both surfers soon became caught in a rip current and were swept further offshore, struggling to get back to the beach.

Spotting the pair in difficulty, James and Tom paddled out on their surfboards to assist. They supported both casualties and pushed them both back to shore, with one casualty holding onto a surfboard leash while the other was pushed back in on their surfboard.

By the time they reached the beach, both casualties were exhausted and in shock. James and Tom carried out checks and made sure the two surfers were okay.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor, James, said: ‘We were going surfing at the beach, and it was really lucky that we decided to go to Joss Bay as we were contemplating going to another beach. I believe that if they didn’t receive help they would have drowned.’

Without James and Tom being there to help the surfers, the situation could have been far more serious. It’s important to remember to always be prepared before heading into the water.

If you're planning to go surfing, always surf with a friend so you can look out for one another, and make sure to tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Check the weather forecast and tide times before entering the water and be aware of the dangers of rip currents.

Always wear a suitable wetsuit and use a leash to help prevent becoming separated from your board. Most importantly, if you're unsure about the conditions, don't go in the water.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is float to live:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember Phone, Float Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about surfing water safety visit: Surfing - RNLI Tips And Advice On How To Surf Safely

To learn more about rip currents visit: Rip Currents - Water Safety Advice And Drowning Prevention

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.