RNLI lifeguards at Withernsea have highlighted the importance of swimming between the flags.
While covering a shift at the beach, Lifeguard Supervisor Louis Evans was walking toward the red and yellow swim zone on a routine patrol. At the same time, fellow lifeguard Joseph Leggatt spotted a young girl struggling in the water and flagged to Louis that she appeared to be a weak swimmer.
Moments later, the girl slipped off a sandbar and was swept out of her depth.
Louis immediately ran towards the scene, grabbing the RNLI rescue board on route. By the time he entered the water, the girl was flailing her arms and struggling to keep her head above the surface. Just as she began to go under, Louis reached her and brought her safely back to shore.
Once on the beach, the casualty was medically assessed and reunited with her family. She had swallowed water during the incident and her parents were advised to take her to hospital to be checked for potential secondary drowning.
Louis said: ‘This was the first time I’ve had to carry out a rescue in seven years of lifeguarding, and I would certainly consider it a life saved. A good lifeguard rarely gets wet ninety-five percent of our work is preventative but thanks to Joseph’s quick observation and teamwork, we were able to intervene just in time. Joseph’s early recognition of the girl’s difficulty was vital in reducing response time.’
Louis added: ‘Joseph was working with me that day and played a key role in the rescue. His observation that she was a weak swimmer meant we were able to recognise the danger much sooner.’
RNLI lifeguards are trained to spot potential dangers and intervene before people get into trouble. This incident highlights the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, and the vital role RNLI lifeguards play in keeping beachgoers safe.
Over half of those who get into danger at the coast each year never planned to enter the water – slips, trips and falls are a significant problem. The RNLI is urging people to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water. This means leaning back and spreading your arms and legs to stay afloat, controlling your breathing, then calling for help or swimming to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard, or the police if you are inland.
