Filey RNLI lifeguards help save a life on the beach

At 12:05pm, the charity's lifeguards responded to a man who was unconscious against his truck that had been driven onto the beach to recover a fishing boat. A young boy who was with the fisherman was trying to bring him back to consciousness.

RNLI lifeguard, Cavan Walker, immediately ran over to try to resuscitate the man as lifeguard, Scott Brierley, joined him with lifesaving equipment. The two lifeguards called an ambulance and carried out CPR until senior lifeguard Henry Baxter arrived to help move the man further up the beach to dry sand. Local shop owner and former lifeguard and Filey RNLI lifeboat crew member, Gary Wilson, helped set up the defibrillator and provided extra support as the lifeguards carried out casualty care. After paramedics arrived, the man started showing signs of recovery. The air ambulance then arrived to take the man to hospital.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Matt Jones, said: ‘The lifeguards did an incredible job and demonstrated the high quality training they receive in providing casualty care. Their prompt actions and early use of the defibrillator saved the man’s life. As a team, we couldn’t be more proud. We are seeing a rise in situations that require medical attention and the more we all train together, the more effective all agencies work together.

‘We’d like to thank Gary Wilson for all of his help and support of the lifeguards, as well as to the paramedics of Yorkshire Ambulance Service for their quick response. And also Filey Coastguard Rescue team for their effective coordination and crowd management.

‘Above all else, we are thankful that the man has made a rapid recovery and is doing well.’

After being discharged from hospital, the man visited the lifeguards that saved his life, bringing them fresh fish to say thank you and show his appreciation.

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For more information please contact Megan McBride, RNLI Media Engagement Placement North East and East, on 07391544363 or at: [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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