RNLI lifeguards at Lowestoft assist seriously ill beachgoer

As lifeguard Callum Swatman arrived, the casualties family was attempting CPR. The man was unresponsive and was not breathing.

Callum performed initial checks then began CPR when lifeguard Harrison Blowers arrived and connected the defibrillator. They administered one shock to the man as advised by the defib instructions. Paramedics arrived shortly after and assisted the charity’s lifeguards.

The paramedics then took over and lifeguards began clearing the area for the air ambulance to land. The man was stabilised at the scene and then taken to hospital for further treatment.

Paramedics who attended the scene praised the lifeguards stating the outcome would have been ‘very different’ for the casualty if the lifeguards weren’t on scene. This is the first time an incident like this has occurred in over five years and the first time Callum and Harrison have handled an incident of this kind.

Callum said: ‘Myself and Harrison were lucky to be working together that day, we have been friends since primary school and travelled the world together so we both knew we could really rely on the other when assisting the casualty. The man and his family were visiting from Europe and we would like to wish him a speedy recovery.’

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Liam Fayle-Parr said: ‘We are all extremely proud of Callum and Harrison for the way they handled the situation. Without their knowledge and quick actions the outcome could have been very different. We would also like to thank the paramedics who allowed our lifeguards to assist until they took over. The paramedics also did an excellent job and our lifeguards were very impressed with them.'

Notes to editors

• The RNLI is the charity that 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 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.

• As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week. Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

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Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email at [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email 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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