‘He was told he would never walk again’

After Portrush lifeguard Annie Jagoe helped rescue a man with spinal injuries, he was told he would never walk again. But 1 year on, the story took a twist.

When Portrush lifeguard Annie Jagoe heard the words: ‘Unconscious body in the water’ over her VHF radio, she scanned Benone Beach. Hearing that the casualty couldn’t move, Annie grabbed her spinal board. Matthew, the surfer that Annie and her fellow lifeguards aided that day, was told that he’d never walk again. Yet, on the anniversary of the accident 1 year later, Mathew made a return to the water. And Annie was at his side.

Interested in being a frontline lifesaver? Like Annie, you can help keep beachgoers safe. Find out how to become a lifeguard and learn more about what's involved in this unique and rewarding job.