Hayling RNLI Lifeboat and local Lifeguards combine to save a young lady’s life
On Wednesday 1 August a local lady went swimming off W Wittering beach, got into difficulties and was not breathing when recovered from the water.
On a fine sunny afternoon a 19 yr old young lady from Waterlooville went swimming quite close to the end of the lifeguard protected beach. When she got into difficulties she was seen by the W Wittering Estate lifeguards who rushed to her aid. By the time that they recovered her from the sea she had stopped breathing and had swallowed a lot of water.
The lifeguards started CPR and the RNLI Lifeboat was called as well as an ambulance and the Search & Rescue helicopter. The Hayling RNLI D-Class lifeboat arrived on scene by which time the lady had started breathing and oxygen was being given to her, but the lifeguard’s oxygen ran out and so the lifeboat crew supplied a fresh cylinder.
An ambulance arrived closely followed by the helicopter. The casualty was transferred to the ambulance and after discussion and having thoroughly checked the young lady’s condition it was decided she was now stable and could be taken to hospital by ambulance. Helm Danny MacPherson said ‘This incident really showed the need for people enjoying a sunny afternoon on a beach to make sure it’s lifeguard protected and that they swim in the zone between the red and yellow flags. This life was saved by a successful combined rescue effort in which we were glad to assist.’
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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