Portrush RNLI launched to reports of a swimmer in difficulty

Three volunteer lifeboat crew launched the inshore lifeboat in cloudy conditions in a slight sea swell towards Portstewart where they observed a young adult male not making progress in the sea. The swimmer had got very tired and was spotted by an onlooker who raised the alarm.

The lifeboat crew quickly arrived on scene and got the male into the Inshore Lifeboat and took him the short distance to Portstewart Harbour where they handed him into the care of the Coastguard.

Robin Cardwell Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Station said:-
The Onlooker did exactly the right thing. The RNLI would rather be called out if there is a danger of someone being in difficulty in the water. That’s what we are trained to do. The Respect The Water Campaign highlights the dangers of the cold water and how quickly it is to get into difficulties.’

The inshore lifeboat and the crew have returned to station to refuel ready for the next shout

Ends

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For more information please telephone Judy Nelson, Portrush RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07736923936, email judynelson60@btinternet.com or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 648 3547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 00 353 87 1254 124 or Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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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 over 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 142,700 lives.

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