Larne RNLI rescue jet skier who had fallen into the water and couldn’t get back
Larne RNLI were requested to launch yesterday (28 July) evening to rescue a jet skier who had fallen into the water a quarter mile from Tweedsport and couldn’t get back on his jet ski.
The volunteer crew launched the in-shore lifeboat, Terry, at 8:02pm after being requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard and made their way towards the casualty just north of Tweedsport.
Upon reaching the casualty it was discovered that the jet skier had been in the water for around 30 minutes and was holding onto the jet ski, unable to climb back on.
The volunteer crew recovered the casualty into the lifeboat and checked to make sure he wasn’t suffering from his time in the water.
The casualty was brought by lifeboat to Tweedsport into the care of the awaiting PSNI and Larne Coastguard team who then transferred the casualty to the Ambulance service to be checked over. The volunteer crew returned to the jet ski on the water to recover it to the shoreline.
After being stood down, Philip Ford-Hutchinson, Larne RNLI’s Deputy Launching Authority said; ‘When going to sea it is essential that you are properly prepared. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing or wet gear and are wearing a life jacket. Ensure that you know how to operate the craft or vehicle you are using at sea and if you are unsure about its usage, then seek advice on how to operate it correctly.’
He added, ‘The casualty was lucky as cold water shock can set in when you are submerged for any amount of time and in any season. Please when using the water, respect the water’
ENDS
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For more information please telephone Steven Lee, Larne RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07753274490 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and in a normal year has 11 lifeguarded beaches which it operates seasonally. 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, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.
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.
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