RNLI lifeguards on Wirral help injured teenager near Plateaux beach

At around 4.40pm RNLI lifeguard Francesca Long was on patrol when she spotted a teenager jumping off railings into the lake. She approached the 17-year-old and advised him of the dangers of jumping from a height into water.

The teenager however continued to jump and injured himself. Thankfully he was able to walk out of the lake and Francesca immediately assessed his condition by performing a casualty care check.

As he had a high breathing rate and was complaining of chest pains, she radioed her colleague, Senior RNLI Lifeguard Chris Hawes for help. Chris and fellow lifeguard Jamie Woodward then assisted with the first aid provision.

The team gave the teenager oxygen and checked his injured ankle. They also confirmed that he was starting to suffer from pains in his back and neck.

The charity’s lifeguards from neighbouring beaches at New Brighton and Harrison Drive also helped at the scene, as did a mobile Coastguard unit.

RNLI lifeguards and the Coastguard team kept the 17-year-old in a stable condition until an ambulance arrived and took him to hospital for further treatment. The Coastguard helicopter was also on scene but was stood down.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Ryan Jennings, said: ‘Yesterday’s operation was a great example of multi-agency team work and ensured that the injured teenager received swift and effective treatment. I’m very proud of the lifeguards whose extensive casualty care training immediately kicked in and provided the boy with instant medical attention.

‘Jumping into water from a height can be very hazardous. It’s important to remember that water may be shallower than it seems, obscuring submerged objects like rocks, which can cause serious impact injuries if you land on them.  Our charity would always urge people to come and ask the lifeguards for advice about the safe areas in which to swim.’

For more sea safety advice, please visit: RNLI.org/RespectTheWater

RNLI Picture caption
The photograph shows RNLI lifeguards Francesca Long, Chris Hawes and Jamie Woodward at the multi-agency scene. Credit: RNLI.

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