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Off duty RNLI lifeguard saves two bodyboarders at Highlands beach

Lifeboats News Release

Callum McDonald, a RNLI Lifeguard from Dundee, saved the life of two bodyboarders on holiday in a rescue at Farr Bay near Thurso on Friday 5 July.

RNLI

Callum McDonald on patrol as an RNLI lifeguard.

Today (Thursday 25 July 2024) marks World Drowning Prevention Day and the RNLI is reminding everyone in Scotland how to stay safe when visiting the coast this summer, including how to avoid rip currents and the lifesaving technique of Float to Live.

On Friday 5 July, Callum McDonald was at Farr Bay, near Thurso, on a surf trip when he came across two young bodyboarders in need of lifesaving assistance.

Callum says: ‘I had been out on the water surfing for around an hour before I spotted what I thought was another surfer. The beach was empty, so I was confused at the sight of seeing someone else at sea.’

Callum initially thought he saw a fellow surfer, but when he got closer, he realised that what he could see was actually two young bodyboarders caught in a rip current near some rocks.

He continues: ‘There was lots of splashing, and I realised it was them kicking their legs furiously in an attempt to get back to safety. I tried to get closer to them, but I was cautious of the nearby rocks and wanted to avoid us all getting hurt.

‘They were moving in the rip at a reasonable speed – rip currents are fast moving channels of water flowing out to sea. It is common for rip currents to form around fixed structures like the rocks at the end of sandy bays like Farr Bay. They are especially common in big swell, like it was on Friday. I encouraged them to swim over to me but I realised they were too tired to get themselves out of the rip so I paddled over to them.’

In attempt to get the casualties back to safety on the beach, Callum encouraged them to hold onto his board leash so he could paddle them back.

‘I was insistent on taking them one at a time to ensure their safety, but they were so scared and panicked that neither of them wanted to be left alone. I decided that them holding onto the leash was the next best resort and began to paddle back.’

Callum had to time it well in between the sets to ensure everyone’s safety, and eventually made it to the middle of the bay. By this time, the two individuals had lost their bodyboards and weren’t doing well at keeping themselves afloat.

‘Unfortunately, my long board wasn’t big enough for the two of them, but I eventually kicked them back in and got them ashore.’

The children were reunited with their friends and family, and were checked over before Callum mentioned the risk of secondary drowning and the signs to look out for.

He added: ‘Secondary drowning is when water gets onto the lungs and can caused irritation and a fluid build up that can develop 24 to 48 hours later.’

Tracy, one of the parents of the casualties, says: ‘If it wasn’t for Callum’s courageous actions, I don’t even want to think about what could have happened. He is a hero, and we can’t thank him enough for how he responded that day.

‘Anyone can get caught up in these sorts of conditions, so I’m urging all parents to take care when visiting the coast this summer and be aware for the dangers, and how to keep yourself safe.’

What’s more, on Wednesday 10 July, another off duty rescue took place at East Sands beach when RNLI lifeguard, Andrew, spotted a paddleboarder in difficulty.

Andrew arrived at the beach at 9:30am to set up when he spotted someone falling off their paddleboard while making their way back to the shore. Unfortunately, the paddleboarder who fell into the water got caught in a rip current, making it difficult for them to get back to the beach safely.

The RNLI lifeguard grabbed his rescue tube and headed out into the water where he brought the casualty back and conducted a full casualty care assessment. The casualty walked away safe and well thanks to the quick actions of RNLI lifeguard, Andrew.

Andrew adds: ‘If you’re planning to paddleboard this summer, please follow a few simple steps before heading out to keep you safe:

  • Wear a buoyancy aid

  • Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch

  • Wear the correct leash

  • Avoid offshore winds.

If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back and call for help when you are able to.’

With the school holidays in full swing, the RNLI is advising people to choose a lifeguarded beach if they can and always swim between the red and yellow flags during the patrolling hours.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

  • Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted

  • If you can stand, wade don’t swim

  • If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore

  • Always raise your hand and shout for help

Ends 

Notes to Editors 

  • RNLI lifeguards will be on the following beaches across Scotland this summer: Silver Sands, Coldingham, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands, Elie Harbour, Burntisland, Leven and Broughty Ferry.

  • Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people an debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water.

  • This World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), Water Safety Scotland will be hosting their third annual Water Safety Open Day in support of World Drowning Prevention Day. The event is taking place at Loch Lomond, Balloch from 11am to 4pm.

RNLI media contacts 

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement – Placement for Scotland 07929 673286, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789 

RNLI

Callum pictured with the RNLI rescue board that lifeguards use to help retrieve those in difficulty.

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.

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