RNLI lifeguards rescue 11 people from flash rip current at Portrush East Strand

The flash rip quickly developed between the black and white checkered flags and within a minute, 11 teenagers who were bodyboarding and swimming were swept out of their depth.

RNLI lifeguard Paul Richmond and Cameron Leighton immediately launched into the sea with their rescue boards. They made a quick analysis to determine the most critical casualties and made way to them.

Paul and Cameron each manoeuvred a casualty onto the rescue boards with two more holding onto the side of their boards. They quickly made their way with six casualties towards the beach and left them ashore and in the care of lifeguard Oliver Knox before the lifeguards paddled out towards the remaining five casualties.

Cameron took three of the casualties and Paul took the remaining two casualties back to the shore.

Speaking following the incident, RNLI lifeguard Paul Richmond reminded those planning a trip to the coast to enjoy the good weather to choose a lifeguarded beach: ‘The flagged areas mark the safest spots to swim and most importantly are monitored by lifeguards. On Saturday, we were able to spot the danger quickly and act immediately.’

'If you’re planning on visiting the coast this weekend, try to choose a lifeguarded beach. Remember where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.’

Lisa McAuley, mother of one of the teenagers who was rescued from the rip current wishes to alert others on why it’s so important to visit a lifeguarded beach: ‘The swift response of the lifeguards has prevented serious injury or drowning. If the teenagers had not been swimming between the flags, it could’ve ended very differently. I would also like to thank the local surfers who stepped in – your boards became lifelines until help arrived.’

To avoid a rip current:

· Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where it is safer to swim in the current conditions

· Wear a bright coloured swimming cap

· Swim with others, never go alone.

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

· If you see someone in difficulty or suspect they are in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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