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Lowestoft Lifeguards help cardiac arrest casualty until air ambulance arrives

Lifeguards News Release

Just as Lowestoft Lifeguards started work at 10am on Saturday 11th August a member of the public collapsed and needed their assistance.

Side angles of 3 Lifeguard together

RNLI

Lifeguards are patrolling all summer 10am to 6pm

Beaches have been busy and RNLI lifeguards have had a variety of incidents throughout the 2024 summer season, from minor injuries to multi rescues and casualty care.

A member of the public got into difficulty after going on a run along Lowestoft Promenade. On the way to work Lifeguards Luke Barton and Oliver Owen, who just finished their 5k run, were quick to respond as the casualty went into cardiac arrest. Other lifeguards Vicki Grice, Owen Webster and Rose Webster also responded as they arrived.

The lifeguards worked alongside the ambulance service to assist with the treatment and evacuation of the casualty. The lifeguards cleared the beach so the helicopter could land, they then helped transfer the casualty to the helicopter ready to be transported to the hospital.

RNLI Senior Lifeguard, Luke Barton says: ‘We deal with many unexpected incidents as lifeguards, our casualty care and fitness training enables us to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies as well as saving lives at sea.

‘We encourage the public to come to a lifeguarded beach, you can have peace of mind knowing that we are patrolling the area to keep you safe. You can ask us about the sea conditions and tides of the day, we are there if you have any questions, injuries or if you need to be rescued.’


RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Arna Tolliday says: ‘All beaches have been very busy and lifeguards have had their hands full with rescues, first aid requirements, missing people and children.

‘This combined with the large volume of visitors, hot weather and off shore winds has meant it has been a challenging week. And with the warm weather set to continue August is looking to be a very busy month.’

In East Suffolk the following beaches are currently being patrolled every day from 10am-6pm: Southwold North, Southwold South, Lowestoft North and Lowestoft South.


In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

For beach safety information and tips, please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety


Notes to editors

· Here is a link to a video demonstrating the Float to Live technique: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/8D368494-1288-427B-9579B05FD5568D3F/?viewType=grid

· Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards have saved 1,681 lives, aided 320,087 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 251,436 incidents and carried out 32M preventative actions.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lauren Wright, RNLI North and East Media Engagement - Placement on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 33678 or [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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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, 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.

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