Plymouth RNLI Volunteers launched to swimmer suffering medical episode

The lifeboat arrived on scene shortly after the pagers sounded at 7:57am. The casualty was already in the care of Paramedics from South West Ambulance Service upon arrival. Two of our volunteer crew members were landed ashore to help support paramedics and to ensure no other persons were in trouble. Shortly followed by Devon Air Ambulance.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team were also on scene providing assistance.

Helm James Scott said “Once it was confirmed that only one person was involved and that the ambulance service were happy to extract the casualty directly from the beach, with the assistance of the Coastguard Rescue Team and their stretcher equipment, our crew were retrieved from the beach once the casualty had been safely extracted and the lifeboat returned to station.

During our debrief it became apparent that the members of the public who provided the initial response to the casualty had been willing and able to provide immediate first aid, including the use of the public AED (Automated External Defibrillator) located in the area, and their input made a vital contribution to the combined rescue effort, for which we would like to pass on our appreciation and thanks for their assistance. This incident highlights the importance of knowing the location of safety equipment by the coast, including AEDs and lifebuoys, and calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard if the emergency is in or near the water.”

The lifeboat was released from service and returned to station and made ready for service at 9:00am.

Firestone Bay is one of many locations on Plymouth's waterfront where vital life-saving equipment has been installed. Please see this link from Plymouth City Council for more information https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/vital-life-saving-equipment-installed-waterfront

RNLI safety advice for open water swimming:

· Float to Live - When open water swimming, you might get tired. Roll on to your back to rest and hold on to something that floats, like your tow float. Then you can signal for help if needed.

· Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide.

· Always carry a means of calling for help. If in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

· Tell someone else where you are going and when you will be back.

· Acclimatise to cold water slowly and enter gradually to reduce the risk of cold water shock. Always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out. Cold water and currents can tire you quickly and make it harder to return to shore

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone John Baldry, Plymouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07792649768 or [email protected] or Darren Blight, Plymouth RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07984399860 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]; or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected] or the RNLI Duty Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.