RNLI Lifeguards save two teenagers in North Devon
Lifeguards News Release
RNLI lifeguards Peter Bull and James Whyte went to the aid of two teenage boys yesterday (Thursday 7 July) at Woolacombe beach.
Two sixteen-year-olds went into the water with their bodyboards and quickly found themselves in trouble in a rip current on the northern side of the beach.
When the boys realised they were in a rip current, they let go of their bodyboards and tried to swim against the current. Watching from the RNLI patrol truck, RNLI lifeguards Peter and James entered the water with a rescue board as a matter of urgency, as the boys had nothing to help them float.
Peter and James reached the casualties and brought them both back to shore.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Matt Whitley, said: ‘The lifeguards involved followed their instincts and acted quickly. If you do find yourself caught in a rip, stay calm and keep your boards with you, this will help you to float. Wave your arm and shout for help. Never try to swim against the current as this will tire you out quickly. Instead, swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip.’
After the boys were returned safely to the beach, their mother came down to express her thanks.
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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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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