RNLI lifeguards rescue body boarders at St Ouen’s

Just before high tide at 5pm, Nathan was in the water on a rescue board making sure everyone was getting back to shore safely. The flags and RNLI patrol trucks had all been removed from the beach as the sea had completely covered the sand.

Strong flash rips and a swell of around two metres caused a male body boarder to get in to difficulty as he was trying to get back to shore.

A fellow lifeguard signalled to Nathan from the lifeguard watch tower by whistling and pointing in the direction of the body boarder in distress.

Nathan immediately went to the aid of the casualty, who no longer had his board and was going under the water. Due to the rough conditions, getting the casualty back to safety on the rescue board was not the safest or quickest option.

Senior RNLI lifeguard Alex Vibert launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) and returned him to the beach. The lifeguards checked him over for any injuries but he had not taken in any water.

Shortly before, Nathan had helped a young boy from drifting out to sea in a rip current and brought him and his brother back to the beach.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Nathan Elms, said: ‘Rip currents can take people by surprise but it’s important not to panic if you find yourself in one. Keep hold of your body board as this will help you stay afloat. Stay calm, swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, raise your hand and wave and shout for help.’

The RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign is running throughout the summer. To find out more about the dangers of the coast and how to stay safe, visit www.rnli.org/respectthewater or search #RespectTheWater on social media.

Notes to editors

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