RNLI lifeguard rescues surfer caught in rip current on Portrush East Strand

RNLI lifeguard Anna Wright was conducting a training session on her rescue board at Portrush East Strand when she quickly noticed a surfer was struggling in a rip current. The surfer realised they were in trouble and spotted Anna on her training board and yelled out for help.

Without hesitation Anna quickly paddled towards the surfer on her rescue board.

The surfer grabbed hold of the rescue board and Anna paddled them both back to shore. The surfer, although exhausted, was in good spirits and was in no need of medical attention.

Speaking following the rescue, Anna said: ‘Rips can catch even the most experienced beachgoers out. If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, stay calm – don’t panic. If you can stand, wade. Don’t try to swim. Raise your hand and shout for help loudly. Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.’

If planning a trip to the beach this weekend, the RNLI is reminding people to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol on Saturday and Sundays between 10am and 6pm throughout May and June at Benone, Portstewart, Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand, Whiterocks, Ballycastle and Tyrella.

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For more information, please contact Treasa Ní Bhraonáin, Communications Placement on 085 1500 564 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager Tel: 00 353 87 1254 124 email: [email protected] Or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel: 00 353 87 648 3547 email: [email protected]

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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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