As part of World Drowning Prevention Day July 25 this story highlights how important it is to know what to do when, as an observer on the shoreline, you see people struggling in the water.
A group of seven teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, including Emma and Ben Sandeman, were enjoying a hot afternoon on the beach in Hastings on September 4 2021 when they suddenly noticed that two elderly swimmers were in difficulty and being swept out in a strong current.
They acted quickly and threw a life ring to the swimmers with a rope attached. They were able to pull them over to some rocks at the harbour wall where they could recover. RNLI Hastings Lifeboat station launched to the incident and the swimmers were brought to shore where they handed over to the care of the local ambulance service. They made a full recovery.
Emma Sandeman said: “We saw the swimmers were really struggling in the water and knew we needed to help them quickly. Luckily there was a life ring close by so we threw it to them and were able to pull them into onto the rocks before help arrived. We knew that going into the water ourselves would be too risky, so we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. Throwing them a life ring was the best way of helping. It was a really scary situation to be in, we’re just thankful there was a life ring close by and a RNLI lifeboat arrived so quickly after we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.”
As a sign of appreciation and recognition of what they had done the RNLI arranged a special presentation at Hastings Lifeboat Station for the teenagers and their families. They were given a tour of the lifeboats and met the some of the crew. They each received a framed letter of thanks signed by Mark Dowie, Chief Executive of the RNLI.
The key message that everyone needs to remember is that no matter what the circumstances are, do not enter the water yourself. Ring 999 and get help quickly from those who are trained to save lives.
Image Credits: RNLI .