‘I can never be grateful enough for their help, kindness and professionalism’

On Tuesday 7 July at approximately 2pm, Jackie, was enjoying a swim at Littlehampton East Beach when she found herself in difficulty after the water started to get choppy near the groyne.

Jackie said: ‘When I was in the sea, I was in shallow water – I could touch the bottom with my hand – but it was very choppy near the groyne. I had my back to the shore and couldn’t turn around or stand up, and the waves just kept coming over my face.’

Jackie started shouting for help and fortunately RNLI lifeguard Matt Evans was carrying out a routine shoreline patrol, moving the red and yellow flags, when he heard Jackie call.

Matt entered the water with a rescue tube and brought Jackie safely back to shore. Lifeguard Harry Burton brought over the casualty care bag, and together with lifeguard Amelia Isitt, the team provided casualty care.

Jackie was feeling unwell, and so, the lifeguards administered oxygen, placed her into the recovery position and closely monitored her condition. Senior lifeguard Elliot Buckler called for assistance from the ambulance service, and Jackie was later taken to hospital for further treatment.

Following the incident, Jackie and her family contacted the team at Littlehampton to thank the lifeguards who came to her aid.

Jackie said: ‘I can never be grateful enough for their help, kindness and professionalism.

‘I just remember being carried out of the sea and lying on the beach being given oxygen. I don’t think there is anything else I can say. I am just so grateful for the help I received.’

RNLI lifeguards at Littlehampton worked seamlessly together throughout the incident, demonstrating excellent teamwork, quick decision-making and casualty care skills to ensure Jackie received the help she needed.

Their actions reflect the dedication of RNLI lifeguards across the UK and Ireland, who this year, are celebrating 25 years of helping to make beaches safer. On Friday 31 July, the RNLI are celebrating Lifeguard Appreciation Day, a moment to appreciate and reflect on a service that has advanced beach safety across the UK and Ireland.

Since 2001 RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives, aided 459,354 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 333,330 incidents and carried out more than 48M preventative actions.

Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards in the South East of England saved 16 lives, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people, showing the impact of the RNLI lifeguard service that continues to make a difference to people like Jackie every day.

As the main beach season gets underway, the RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.  

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands 

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [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.

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.