RNLI lifeguard springs into action after man collapses in sea at Caswell Bay
An RNLI lifeguard sprang into action after a swimmer collapsed in the sea at Caswell Bay.
Caitlin McConnell was patrolling the red and yellow flagged swimming area at the Gower beach on Friday (14 July) when she saw the man, thought to be in his 40s, fall to the ground unconscious in the shallow water.
He was in the sea with a partner who immediately called for help and held his head out of the water until Caitlin arrived seconds later.
Caitlin immediately called for support from her fellow lifeguard Hamish Addy, who called for ambulance and other support and readied first aid equipment ready to treat the man.
Luckily while Caitlin and the casualty’s partner were bringing him out of the water and back onto the beach he regained consciousness.
Caitlin made sure he was comfortable and ran through condition checks while awaiting the arrival of paramedics a short time later. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance.
Rob Steele, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘This incident shows the importance of always swimming between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach, which is monitored by a member of our fully-trained lifeguard team.
‘Caitlin was able to respond to a potentially serious incident within seconds. Luckily on this occasion the man quickly regained consciousness quickly and we hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.’
RNLI lifeguards are providing daily safety patrols throughout the summer on Aberavon beach, Swansea Bay, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Three Cliffs Bay and Port Eynon. Our teams will be on duty every day between 10am and 6pm until Sunday 3 September.
Notes to editors:
The attached photo is a stock image of RNLI lifeguards on duty at Caswell Bay. Credit RNLI
For more information please contact Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].
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