Scarborough RNLI lifeguards help rescue man in sea
Scarborough RNLI lifeguards helped rescue a man who fell in the sea at the harbour mouth on Saturday.
The man, in his 40s, was seen by two holidaymakers as he plunged into the water.
One jumped in and pulled the man to safety. The other alerted nearby beach lifeguards who entered the water to help. Members of the RNLI on duty at the nearby lifeboat station helped provide first-aid and a defibrillator until an ambulance arrived.
The man is receiving treatment at Scarborough Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. His father told police he wished to express his 'most sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue'.
PC Jonathan Dillon of Scarborough police added: 'The two holidaymakers quickly raised the alarm and entered the water alongside lifeguards. Hospital staff and the man’s father are in no doubt that, had it not been for their quick-thinking and selfless actions, along with further rescue assistance from the RNLI lifeboat station staff, his son would certainly not be present with the fighting chance he has today'.
Several other agencies were involved in the rescue including Scarborough and Burniston Coastguard and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. A helicopter landing site was set up and a cordon put in place but in the end a helicopter wasn’t required.
* For details, ring Scarborough RNLI press officer Dave Barry on 07890 322992.
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.