RNLI Lifeguards rescue swimmer in difficulty on Portrush West Strand beach

At 5pm the lifeguards on Portrush West Strand were alerted by a member of the public to a swimmer, struggling against strong surging waves outside of the flags.

Lifeguard Annie Jagoe was the first to enter the water using a rescue board. On reaching the casualty Annie manoeuvred the woman onto her rescue board. Senior Lifeguard Jack Devenney came to assist on a rescue watercraft. The two lifeguards were able to get the casualty onto the rescue watercraft sled which helped them safely bring her into shore.

Both lifeguards performed casualty care. The casualty had no clear injuries. The Coastguard and ambulance were both called on reaching the shore.

Senior lifeguard Jack Devenney said: ‘Rip currents can be hard to spot, and you will struggle to swim against them, no matter how experienced a swimmer you are. If you are caught in one, don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade, don’t swim. 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 are not the strongest swimmer, you can Float to Live:

·Tilt your head back with ears submerged

·Relax and try to breathe normally

·Move your hands to help you stay afloat

·It's okay if your legs sink we all float differently

·Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Ciaran Dixon, Communications Placement, on 00353 874764436 or [email protected], or Nuala McAloon, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Communications Lead on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

For more information please contact Ciaran Dixon, Communications Placement, on 00353 874764436 or [email protected], or Nuala McAloon, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Communications Lead on 00353 871254124 or [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.