RNLI lifeguards assist in multi-agency call at Formby beach

At around 4:55pm the charity’s lifeguards responded to reports that a women was struggling in the sea outside of the RNLI’s red and yellow flags (the lifeguarded area and safest place to swim).

RNLI lifeguard Kieran Leith quickly attended the scene and found that the casualty had a high breathing rate and was drifting in and out of consciousness.

Thankfully a member of the public, who was already at the scene, had helped the lady out of the water. Kieran then worked with members of Southport Independent Lifeboat to move her further away from the tideline to safety.

Fellow RNLI lifeguard Jack Barwise arrived to administer oxygen and the team kept her in a stable condition until the paramedics arrived. She was then taken to hospital by Air Ambulance.

The woman’s two children who were also at the beach were given a casualty care check and received the all-clear.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Richard Goodacre said: ‘The beach was very busy yesterday as the sweltering temperatures meant that everyone had flocked to the seaside.

‘We worked closely with Southport Independent Lifeboat, paramedics and the Coastguard to ensure that the woman received swift and effective casualty care treatment.

‘We’d always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Our lifeguards were pleased to be able to assist during the multi-agency call and we wish the lady a speedy recovery.’

RNLI Picture caption

The photograph shows an RNLI lifeguard on patrol. Credit: RNLI.

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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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