#RNLI - Portrush RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched yesterday evening (Tuesday 21 June) to reports of a swimmer in difficulty at the Herring Pond in Portstewart.
Three volunteer lifeboat crew launched the inshore lifeboat in cloudy conditions in a slight sea swell towards Portstewart, where they observed a young adult male not making progress in the sea.
The swimmer had got very tired and was spotted by an onlooker who raised the alarm.
Quickly arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew got the casualty on board and took him the short distance to Portstewart Harbour where they handed him into the care of the coastguard.
Portrush RNLI lifeboat operations manager Robin Cardwell said: "The onlooker did exactly the right thing. The RNLI would rather be called out if there is a danger of someone being in difficulty in the water. That’s what we are trained to do.
"The Respect The Water campaign highlights the dangers of the cold water and how quickly it is to get into difficulties."