RNLI Scarborough North Bay lifeguards prevent potential drowning

With a hot Saturday morning in Scarborough coupled with ideal waves for surfing, the charity’s lifeguard team faced a busy weekend and conducted regular patrols throughout the day.

Shortly after noon on Saturday 19 June, experienced lifeguard Ruby Wyborn was alerted to a surfer stuck in a strong current. RNLI Scarborough North Bay’s lifeguard team instantly spotted the young adult, who had been swept just outside the red and yellow flags at the lifeguarded beach. Because of the weather, Ruby was already in the water on the rescue board so reached the surfer in a matter of minutes.

After battling against the strong currents, the charity’s lifeguard helped the casualty back ashore, where he received medical attention. The surfer did not sustain any injuries, however he was seriously fatigued and shaken up.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Tom Pratt congratulated Ruby’s quick reaction:

‘Because our team is constantly on guard, we easily detected the surfer in trouble. There was the possibility of a lifeboat or helicopter call out to prevent a potential drowning if Ruby had not been raring to go.

When you visit one of the RNLI’s beaches, one of our lifeguards will be there to help you if you get in to trouble.’

For more information on beach safety, please visit:

https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Notes to editors

Scarborough North Bay Lifeguards have been operating since 2001. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Tom Pratt is available for interview.

Photo Credit

RNLI/RNLI Yorkshire Facebook

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Derry Salter, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on: 07929673281 or email: [email protected]

Or, the RNLI Press Office available 24/7 on 01202 336789 [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.