RNLI lifeguard rescues bodyboarder at Portrush West Strand
RNLI lifeguard Eva Jones rescued a bodyboarder in challenging conditions yesterday afternoon. (5 August)
While Eva was patrolling the beach she spotted a bodyboarder in distress 50 metres out at sea. The casualty had lost his board and was struggling in the 9-foot surf and strong onshore winds.
Eva drove the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 100 metres down the beach to position herself closer to the casualty before entering the water with a rescue tube. Once she reached the casualty, she secured the rescue tube around him to keep him afloat and guided them both safely back to shore.
Eva assessed the casualty’s condition and although exhausted, he was in good spirits and didn’t require further medical treatment.
Speaking after the incident, RNLI Senior lifeguard Eva Jones said: ‘Although Storm Floris had passed, it had left behind strong onshore winds and large swells which made today’s rescue challenging. Luckily the bodyboarder was at a lifeguarded beach and we could save him.’
If you find yourself in difficulty or see someone else in trouble either on the beach or in and around the water, raise your hand and call for help, or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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