A busy week for Portrush RNLI and the charity’s beach lifeguards

The first callout was to reports of two surfers who were reported missing at Benone beach. On Tuesday (19 July) Portrush inshore lifeboat was requested by the lifeguards to assist in the search. Thankfully the surfers turned up safe and well. The second callout on the same day was at 4pm approximately to reports of a lost child at White Rocks beach. The coastguard and the lifeguards searched the beach whilst the inshore lifeboat patrolled the sea just off shore. The child was found safe and well by the lifeguards.

On Saturday evening (23 July ) at approximately 6.30pm both teams were called out again. The two Portrush lifeboats and the volunteer crews were requested to launch to reports of swimmers who were missing off the coast between Castlerock and Downhill. Again this was a joint operation with the RNLI Lifeguards, The Coastguard and R118 Search and Rescue helicopter from Sligo.

A member of the public had spotted clothes near the beach and raised the alarm. Within minutes both lifeboats were on scene along with the lifeguards who were on rescue water craft. The waters between the two land points were thoroughly searched with no swimmers being found. The search was stood down at 9.15 approx. and described as a ‘false alarm with good intent’

. The RNLI message “Respect the Water” highlights the need to take care and to be vigilant.’We would rather be safe than sorry and report any concerns no matter how small. The RNLI message “Respect the Water” highlights the need to take care and to be vigilant.’

The RNLI lifeguards have been busy on the beaches this week on the North Coast. On Benone beach on Saturday (23 July) the lifeguards assisted a child who had been stung by a weever fish. As part of their training the lifeguards undertake a comprehensive first aid course which equips them to deal with most situations they may encounter on a busy beach in the summer.

Liam Mullan ‘ RNLI Volunteer Lifeguard Press Officer said
‘It is great to see the beaches so busy with people out enjoying our coastline. The RNLI lifeguards and the volunteer lifeboat crews have been working extensively with each other over the past few weeks. I would like to remind the public if you are going to the beach always try to visit a RNLI lifeguarded beach. Remember to keep an eye on the flags and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into difficulty raise your hand and call for help. If you see someone in difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.

The lifeguards are pleased to offer advice if you are on the beach and to help you enjoy your holidays
 

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Judy Nelson, Portrush RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07736923936, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 00 353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]. or Liam Mullan RNLI Lifeguard Press Officer on07734877561 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.