Two children caught in rip tide rescued by RNLI surfer in Portrush
Euan was surfing with his girlfriend when they spotted the two children struggling in the water
The RNLI is highlighting the dangers of rip currents after two children were rescued from the sea in Portrush on Sunday.
Experienced surfer, Euan, who works to maintain the mechanics of lifeguard equipment in the Ballymoney RNLI Support Centre, knew that there was a rip current in that area of the bay next to the Arcadia building.
He alerted the RNLI lifeguards on duty but based on his own location in the water he knew that he would reach the children first, so he said he quickly paddled around to them.
Mr Noble reached out to the young girl in the water and managed to pull her up and out of the rip current, onto his own surfboard.
In the meantime, the girl’s brother had managed to get himself up onto the rocks, so Euan manoeuvred his board around to him where they could safely stay until the lifeguards reached them.
RNLI Lifeguards Michael and Jenna arrived on scene and carried out casualty care for some minor injuries before getting the children back to shore on the rescue boards.
Mr Noble said he has been caught out by the rip current before and described it as unpredictable.
He said “They can catch you very quickly, these things do happen.
“I usually work with lifeguard equipment, and I’ve never been a lifeguard, so my priority was getting the children into the hands of the lifeguards as safely as possible.
“I am an experienced surfer and familiar with the sea state around this area. Luckily, the children were at a lifeguarded beach, where they could be rescued quickly.
Should you be swimming there?
Look for warnings or guidance signs which may alert you to dangerous places to swim. Is there a safe place to enter and exit the water? If the answer is no, look for somewhere else.
Keep within the designated areas
Whether you're swimming in a pool, ocean or lake, staying within the designated swim areas is vital to staying safe. On a lifeguarded beach, stay between the red and yellow flags.
Wear a life vest
Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water. The beach might look inviting in the glorious sunshine, but it can be freezing beneath the surface. A wetsuit, swim belt and/or dry bag are advised.
Never swim alone
The safest places to go swimming outdoors will have lifeguards on duty, and you will be much safer swimming with friends than on your own.
Don't use inflatables in the sea
Inflatables, blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, and shouldn't be used in the sea, as they can easily be swept out.
Expect a current
Always check the tidal activity before you go in, so you know what to expect. It's difficult to swim in a straight line with rip currents, waves and tides moving you in different directions under the water. Don't forget to keep an eye on the shoreline too!
Stay calm and signal
If you do get into difficulty swimming outside, fight the instinct to swim harder and against the water. Stay calm and signal to shore for help.
Dial 999 to help others
If you see someone else in trouble, do not go into the water to help them. Instead, call 999 or alert a lifeguard immediately. Check to see if there is something nearby that floats you can throw to them for help.
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