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

RNLI media contacts
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 Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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