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St Davids RNLI respond to back injury at the Blue Lagoon

Lifeboats News Release

St Davids RNLI volunteers were tasked to an incident at Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy, when a child sustained a suspected spinal injury.

RNLI/St Davids

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On Thursday 27 August, RNLI volunteers at St Davids Lifeboat Station were paged at 3.06pm to assist a child who had sustained a back injury whilst jumping at coasteering hotspot, the Blue Lagoon.

When the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) arrived on scene, the Y boat was deployed with a basket stretcher. The crew carefully lifted the child into the stretcher with support from other swimmers.

A paramedic was brought to the casualty to carry out an initial assessment. The casualty was then transferred to Abereiddy Beach by Y boat and was handed over into the care of St Davids Coastguard and the Welsh Ambulance Service crew.

The ALB returned to station and was made ready for service at 5.15pm.

We would like to thank the swimmers who supported the casualty until help arrived and to St Davids Coastguard and Welsh Ambulance teams for their assistance.

The casualty is home and making a good recovery.

Will Chant, St Davids RNLI Coxswain said:

'We want everyone to enjoy the coast, but to do so safely. Tombstoning might look like fun, but the water isn't always as deep as it looks. The tide changes, rocks can be hidden and cold water shock can affect anyone.

'If you're looking for adventure, we recommend choosing a supervised coasteering session, where you're provided with safety equipment.

'In an emergency at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Our volunteer crew are on call 24/7 to come to your aid.'

RNLI/St Davids

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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Anya Walton, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

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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.

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