Brighton RNLI rescues two teenagers swept out to sea

On Sunday May 18 volunteer crew from Brighton RNLI responded to an emergency rescue involving two 13-year-olds who were swept 150 metres out to sea after entering the water on what appeared to be a calm, sunny afternoon.

Billy and two friends had been swimming close to shore when a strong current unexpectedly pulled them out. One member of their group made it back safely, but the other two quickly found themselves far from where they had entered the water.

Thanks to their quick thinking and knowledge of the lifesaving Float to Live advice – lying on their backs and keeping calm – they were able to stay afloat until help arrived.

Paddleboarders in the area attempted to assist but were also struggling against the same current.

Billy’s mum Monique Devlin said: ‘Billy managed to stay fairly calm and went onto his back to try and float.

‘They both remembered the advice. It helped to buy them some time before the RNLI got there.

‘Billy’s dad had once been in trouble in the sea and shared that advice with him from a young age, fortunately it stuck.’

Both casualties were rescued by the RNLI volunteer crew and brought back to the station, cold and shaken.

They received immediate casualty care and were reunited with their families shortly afterwards.

Billy’s mother added: ‘It was such a shock to get a call from the RNLI.

‘I felt a mixture of relief, gratitude, and fear of what could have been.

‘The crew were absolutely fantastic – calm, kind, and focused on safety.

‘They weren’t judgmental or condescending. They had amazing interpersonal skills as well as doing all their heroic work. I want to say a million thank-yous.’

Monique has now done research into when lifeguards are patrolling the beaches and Billy, who had had swimming lessons from a young age, is only allowed swim when he knows it is safe to do so.

RNLI Helm Mat Humphrey, who led the rescue, said: ‘It’s absolutely brilliant that Billy knew what to do – floating on your back can give you those vital minutes you need to stay calm and stay safe. It made a real difference.

'We’re so relieved this had a happy ending. They both did really well in a very frightening situation, and we’re glad we could bring them back safely.’

RNLI’s Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Use your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety

Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

· Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

· Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

· Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.