RNLI lifeguards reunite children with families during busy weekend at Lyme Regis

The rescues took place during a busy weekend on the Dorset coast, with RNLI lifeguards maintaining a close watch on thousands of beachgoers enjoying the warm weather.

On Saturday (30 August), Senior RNLI Lifeguard Ben Greenslade spotted a young boy around 150 metres offshore struggling in the water after becoming separated from his bodyboard.

Recognising the boy was unable to make his way back to the beach, Ben paddled out to assist on a rescue board. He safely brought the casualty back to shore before reuniting him with his father.

A second incident occurred on Monday (1 September) when a distressed mother approached RNLI lifeguards after losing sight of her eight-year-old son, who had been snorkelling.

Lifeguards quickly began a coordinated search of the area where he had last been seen; RNLI lifeguard Cole Dickinson began wading through the shallows while keeping watch further offshore. The child was soon spotted around 50 metres from the shoreline beyond the breaking waves by RNLI lifeguard James Mule in the lifeguard unit.

Ben also spotted the child and launched a rescue board, reaching the boy before returning him safely to the beach, where he was reunited with his mother.

The rescues come as the RNLI lifeguard season winds down. RNLI patrols on Lyme Regis will end for the season on Sunday 6 September. Weymouth beach will remain patrolled daily between 10am to 6pm until 27 September.

Alice Alford-Higgins, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

‘These incidents demonstrate just how quickly people can drift further from shore than they realise. Thanks to the vigilance and quick actions of our lifeguards, both children were located and returned safely to their families.

‘I am incredibly proud of the team's professionalism throughout what has been a very busy summer season. Their training, teamwork and constant observation of the beach mean they are ready to respond whenever someone needs help.

‘As we head into the final weeks of the season, we would encourage anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and speak to our lifeguards if they are unsure about the conditions.’

Notes to editors

• RNLI lifeguard patrols on Lyme Regis, Greenhill, and West Bay beaches will end on 6 September

• Photos of Lyme Regis and West Bay team can be downloaded here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/A3E65DD3-1A9B-4A86-BE0830CF06711EC6/

• If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat, then call for help or swim to safety if you can.

• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.