RNLI issue warning after lifeguards rescue swimmer in difficulty on Portrush West Strand beach
RNLI have issued a warning about the dangers of rip currents after two senior lifeguards came to the rescue of a swimmer last night (July 7).
Senior lifeguards Annie Jagoe and Jack Devenney were tasked to the scene of a swimmer who got caught in a rip current yesterday evening at Portrush West Strand.
At 5pm, lifeguards on the north coast hotspotwere alerted by a member of the public to the swimmer, who was 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.
Soon after, 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 and 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