RNLI Lifeguards rescue group of children on Bantham beach

RNLI lifeguards Loic Doison, Lewis horne and Nick Triggol had packed up and were debriefing after what had been a really busy day when they spotted five children, in their depth close to where a rip current was running out to sea.

The lifeguards monitored the group, watching as two of the children made their way back to shore, and jumping into action as the other three were suddenly taken by the current and pulled out of their depth.

The three lifeguards grabbed a rescue board each and headed straight for the water. Two of the children caught by the rip, had managed to swim to the rocks, while the third, had drifted even further out.

Loic was first to reach the boy who was still in the water and pulled him onto the board. Lewis and Nick reached the other two quickly and secured them from the rocks onto their boards. The lifeguards were able to take all three safely back to shore where they were reunited with their family, thankfully unharmed.

Kate Doison, RNLI lifeguard Supervisors said;

‘The lifeguard team at Bantham had been working really hard all day, advising people of the rip currents on the beach and the safest place to enter the water, which meant they had thankfully managed to prevent any incidents happening.

The children were extremely lucky that the lifeguards were still around and able to react so quickly.

We’d advise anyone entering the water to visit a lifeguarded beach, if you find yourself caught in a rip current, we’d advise not trying to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.’

Notes to editors

• Please find attached a picture of RNLI Lifeguards Loic Doison and Nick Triggol
• The RNLI are launching the national drowning prevention campaign Respect the Water on Thursday 30 May

For more information please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Media Manager, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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