RNLI Lifeguards put first aid training into practice to help injured young girl

Lifeguards were alerted to the incident in the Watergate Bay area, which occurred at 3.30pm on Sunday, by the girl’s father who came to the lifeguard unit to ask for assistance. Lifeguard Oliver Waterton- Gullick immediately went to the scene to assess the situation and requested assistance from a second lifeguard from the patrol area.

Senior lifeguard Kerk Latham joined Oliver, together they administered pain relief and stabilised the girl’s damaged ankle and monitored her until they handed over to the air ambulance.

Mark Priem, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

“Our lifeguards receive world-class training to carry out rescues in the water and saved 84 lives across the UK last year. But what many people don’t realise is that our lifeguards are casualty care trained to a high standard and can provide lifesaving treatment in and around the beach environment.

“Often our lifeguards are the first people on the scene if an incident occurs on or near the beach and their experience and knowledge can be vital in those few minutes before a paramedic or ambulance arrives. We would always encourage people to come to the lifeguard units on our beaches and ask for help if they see anyone in need of assistance on or near the beach.”

RNLI lifeguards currently patrol more than 240 beaches in the UK and Channel Islands and last year saved 84 lives. As well as rescuing people from the water they also receive extensive training in responding to medical emergencies. In total the charity’s lifeguards attended 15,558 incidents last year helping 24,044 people.

-ENDS-

For more information contact the RNLI’s Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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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