RNLI lifeguards on Cranfield beach respond to multiple incidents on Saturday

RNLI lifeguard Emmy Torrens was patrolling the busy beach when she noticed two paddleboarders 300m out at sea and struggling against the offshore winds. Both Emmy and lifeguard John Irwin entered the sea with their rescue boards. They made way to the casualties and assisted them safely back to shore.

Not long after they returned to shore, Emmy had spotted three paddleboarders 200m out at sea who had fallen off their boards. Emmy and John immediately sprang into action and entered the sea with their rescue boards. One casualty was transferred onto a rescue board while the two remaining paddleboarders were assisted back to the beach. Although the three casualties were exhausted, no medical attention was needed.

Just as his colleagues had returned to shore, RNLI lifeguard Adam Mahon noticed another paddleboarder on the opposite side of the beach struggling against the offshore winds and failing to make progress. Adam drove the all-terrain vehicle to the opposite side of Cranfield beach and entered the water with a rescue tube. He was able to assist the casualty back to shore and although the casualty was shaken, they required no further casualty care.

RNLI lifeguard Adam Mahon said: ‘We had a busy weekend with the team helping several people. At one stage, there were approximately 200 swimmers, 50 paddleboarders and approximately 35 personal watercrafts in the water. We would like to extend our thanks to Kilkeel Coastguard who provided support while our own lifeguards patrolled the busy beach until 7pm, an hour after they were due to finish their patrol on the beach.

‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach to be aware of the tides and wind before entering the sea. To know when the wind is offshore, keep an eye out for the orange windsock on lifeguarded beaches to see which way the wind is blowing.

‘If you plan on doing some stand-up paddleboarding, we advise you to wear a buoyancy aid that provides extra floatation in the water should you fall in, carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch to use in an emergency, and wear the correct leash to stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and need help to stay afloat.’

Ends

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