
Hornsea RNLI lifeguards rescue two casualties while public member assists girl
Hornsea Lifeguards rescued a woman and teenage girl from strong currents as they got into difficulty.
At Hornsea Beach on Tuesday 13th August at 4pm, there were strong north-westerly winds which were causing a hazard at the Northside of Hornsea beach as a rip current formed with the increase of water and outgoing tide.
Due to the conditions lifeguards Brent Mayman and George Welch were on high alert patrolling the beach. Throughout the day they were making water safety PA announcements and advising people swimming to head in between the red and yellow flags, which marks the safest area to swim.
Brent was patrolling the water as George signalled over the radio that there was a girl holding on to a wooden groyne 60 metres outside of the red and yellow flags. The casualty’s father tried to rescue his daughter but injured his leg and had to turn back to shore.
As Brent paddled out to the casualty, he discovered that her friend and mother were being swiftly pulled out to sea. He diverted to save them both and took them back to shore safely on the rescue board. As he returned to rescue the girl, he found that a member of the public had already managed to assist her back to the shore.
Lifeguards put their RNLI casualty care training into use after assessing them. It was apparent that the young female has swallowed water, Brent advised that she should go to A&E for further treatment.
Brent said: ‘I am grateful that the casualties are safe and that they stayed together in the water. RNLI Lifeguards welcome giving helpful advice to visitors about local conditions and lifeguards set up the red and yellow flags for them to safely swim between. However, if they find themselves in difficulty, they should Float to Live'.
- If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Try to relax
- Control your breathing, which can take up to a minute.
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat, remember everyone floats differently - some people’s legs can sink.
- Once calm, then try call for help or swim to safety if you can.
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.
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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 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 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.
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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.