
RNLI Lifeguards Aid Three Young People off Littlehampton East Beach
RNLI lifeguards rescued three teenagers from being pulled into the River Arun by a dangerous rip current on Saturday 10 June.
In the early afternoon, RNLI lifeguards responded to reports of a young girl who had been caught in a strong rip current off Littlehampton East beach. The young girl, who got into difficulty whilst swimming off the beach, was being pulled into the river. Experienced RNLI Lifeguard Erin responded to the call, paddling out on a rescue board to recover the casualty from the mouth of river.
Not long after Erin entered the water, it transpired that two young boys had also got into trouble in the rip current. The two boys had gotten into difficulty whilst trying to help the young girl and had been seen clinging to the river wall to prevent themselves getting pulled further in.
Upon receiving this information, the inshore rescue boat (IRB) was launched from Littlehampton East beach crewed by experienced lifeguards Georgia and Hannah. After approaching the two boys, Georgia and Hannah performed a tube rescue to bring the two boys safely into the boat.
All three casualties were safely recovered and returned to Littlehampton East beach to receive aftercare for minor wounds that they had sustained.
Tom Ward (Lead Lifeguard Supervisor) said: ‘The whole team responded brilliantly to what was a dynamically challenging situation. We train hard to make sure that we are calm and efficient when responding to multiple calls, but we are very proud of how Erin, Georgia and Hannah dealt with the situation.’
Rip currents are a hazard across many beaches in the UK and Ireland and it is important to be aware of them. Tom added: ‘The best way to avoid hazards like this is to swim in between the red and yellow flags, and it’s crucial for people to plan their trip ahead of time, making sure they understand the local dangers before visiting their chosen beach.’
For more information on understanding the hazards that can occur on the UK’s beaches please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety
Notes to Editors
With the Summer months now upon us it is crucial for members of the public to be aware of how to keep safe when enjoying the water. The RNLI’s Float to Live campaign aims to
help inform the public of what to do should they find them selves in trouble. Please follow this link for more information: https://rnli.org/safety/float
RNLI Media Contacts:
Thomas Henfrey, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, London and Southeast, [email protected] 07790772665
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Media Manager, London and Southeast, [email protected] (07827) 358256
Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, London and Southeast, [email protected], 07785 296252
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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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.