Successful first aid for RNLI lifeguards at Aberavon Beach

Yesterday (Thursday 25 June), RNLI lifeguards at Aberavon Beach and Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat crew responded to a medical emergency at Aberavon Beach. At 5.15pm Port Talbot RNLI were tasked to reports of a 14-year-old girl who had suffered a medical episode in the water and was unconscious.

At 5.20pm, the Port Talbot crew also alerted the lifeguard team who responded immediately, reaching the girl who was at the water’s edge, roughly 1km down the beach from the swim zone flags. A member of public had rescued the young girl from the water and brought her to shore, where she was still unconscious.

With lifeguards on scene they proceeded with casualty care, monitoring her breathing. Emergency services soon arrived, with paramedics treating her alongside the lifeguards on the beach. At 5.45pm, the Coastguard rescue helicopter arrived and she was taken to hospital, where she has since been discharged.

Aberavon Senior RNLI Beach Lifeguard Sophie Phillips said:

‘We are so relieved that she is recovering and back home safely. A big well done to the team at Aberavon yesterday and the efficient multi-agency response we had from the paramedics, HM Coastguard, police and lifeboat crew.

‘As soon as we were alerted to the incident by the lifeboat crew, our lifeguards were able to respond within minutes. This is a reminder of the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach.

‘Our lifeguards undertake casualty care training and are able to respond to medical emergencies on the beach, as well as helping people in the water.

‘If you are planning on going to the beach, always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the area of the beach that our lifeguards are actively patrolling, and can respond if you do get into difficulty.

‘If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and alert the lifeguard team if you are close by.’

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

‘The lifeguards at Aberavon and our other beaches have been exceptional this week, especially with the recent heatwave leaving very busy beach numbers and multiple incidents happening throughout the week.

‘Please continue to follow lifeguard advice when enjoying the coast and come and ask the team if you have any questions.

‘You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by visiting the RNLI website.’

Clive Morris, Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:

‘As soon as we got the launch request from the Coastguard, I alerted the lifeguard team as I knew they could get there quickly on land with their first-aid equipment.

‘This was a fantastic example of a multiagency response and huge respect to the man and other members of the public who initially helped the young girl. We’re so pleased she’s home and recovering.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected] or 07483 485378.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.