Arran RNLI Rescue Vulnerable Swimmer

At 11.30am on Saturday the 27^th of May Arran RNLI’s inshore lifeboat crew had to respond with haste as the pagers sounded to reports of a person in the water in Brodick Bay.

The Arran RNLI crew assembled and launched the inshore lifeboat Rachel Hedderwick to Brodick Bay to come to the assistance of a young man who was reported to be in distress in the water. While on route the Arran RNLI crew were informed by Belfast Coastguard that extra care would need to be taken as the young man was in a vulnerable condition. After arriving on scene and finding the young man holding to the side of a RHIB moored in Brodick Bay the crew assisted the young man into the inshore lifeboat before transporting him ashore to a waiting ambulance team.

Arran RNLI trainee helm Dave Nicholson said “Any time the pager sounds we know we need to respond as quickly as possible, when we find out we’re responding to a person in the water it makes things even more urgent. We’re all thrilled that we managed to get on scene quickly and help the young man out and wish him all the best for a swift recovery.”

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.