RNLI lifeguards rescue 18-year-old off Sunderland coast

The lifeguards noticed the man over 200 metres offshore from Seaburn Beach and immediately launched their rescue board and Jet Ski. At the same time, a member of the public raised the alarm to a nearby RNLI lifeguard at the north end of the beach, who then swam out to assist the young swimmer.

The 18-year-old had become caught in a strong rip current after swimming outside of the red and yellow flags on the beach, which are marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. He remembered the advice from the RNLI ‘Float to Live’ campaign and was able to stay afloat until he could be rescued. The swimmer was treated for cold water shock by the first-aid trained lifeguards.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Alex Richardson, said: ‘Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drowning in the UK. We urge those spending time on the beach this summer to visit a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, this way our lifeguards can quickly identify anyone in trouble in the water and be on hand to help.’

Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface.

If you get caught in a rip current, the RNLI’s advice is to:

· Stay calm

· Float on your back to regulate your breathing until you can swim to shore or call for help

· If you can stand, wade, don’t swim

· Keep hold of your board or inflatable to help you float

· Raise your hand and shout for help

· Never try to swim directly against the rip or you'll get exhausted

· Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore

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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]

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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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