RNLI lifeguards save two caught in rip off New Brighton beach
RNLI lifeguards rescued two people who were caught in a rip after being washed off Plateaux Beach onto neighbouring New Brighton beach on Easter Sunday.
A young boy ran into the sea off Plateaux beach at 12:50pm and immediately got into trouble when he was caught in a strong current. The water was very high that day and due to the high tide at lunchtime and underlying currents the water was very unpredictable. A member of the public saw the young boy in trouble and ran in to help, but he too was also caught in the rip.
An RNLI lifeguard was alerted of the two in the water by members of the public and ran in to help. However, as the lifeguard got further into the water she saw that the two casualties were being swept over towards New Brighton and radioed the charity’s lifeguards who were on duty at New Brighton beach for assistance.
Over on the New Brighton side, whilst one lifeguard launched the water craft another lifeguard ran into the water, got hold of the two casualties and kept them afloat until the water craft arrived a few minutes later. The two casualties were then taken back to New Brighton beach on the water craft and were given casualty care (first aid) treatment until the paramedics arrived. Thankfully neither were hurt but the young boy was taken to hospital as a precaution whilst the man walked away unharmed to continue his day on the beach.
Ryan Jennings, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said:
‘The lifeguards on both Plateaux and New Brighton beach did a fantastic job on Sunday and undoubtedly saving two lives by working together as one team.
‘If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble please raise your hand and call for help. It’s very important that you don’t try and attempt the rescue yourself – as hard as this can be, we don’t want to risk you getting into trouble too. If you see someone in trouble out on the coast outside of the lifeguarding hours phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI lifeguards provide weekend safety cover between the hours of 10am-6pm on Plateaux and New Brighton beaches until the daily summer service starts on the 25 May. Other beaches that the charity offer a lifeguarded service on the Wirral over the summer season are West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive and Leasowe Bay.
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For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email Eleri_Roberts@rnli.org.uk.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.