RNLI lifeguards on Portrush West Strand came to the rescue of a swimmer caught in a rip current on Tuesday evening (7 July).
At 5pm, senior lifeguards Annie Jagoe and Jack Devenney were alerted by a member of the public to a swimmer struggling against strong surging waves outside of the flags at the popular beach on Northern Ireland’s North Coast.
Jagoe was the first to enter the water using a rescue board. On reaching the casualty, she manoeuvred the woman onto her board. 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.
Devenney said later: “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
