ABERAVON RNLI beach lifeguards were involved in a multi-agency response alongside Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat crew, to a young girl suffering a medical episode at Aberavon Beach.
On Thursday, June 25, RNLI lifeguards at Aberavon Beach and Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat crew responded to a medical emergency at Aberavon Beach. At 5.15pm Port Talbot RNLI were tasked to reports of a 14-year-old girl who had suffered a medical episode in the water and was unconscious.
At 5.20pm, the Port Talbot crew also alerted the lifeguard team who responded immediately, reaching the girl who was at the water’s edge, roughly 1km down the beach from the swim zone flags. A member of the public had rescued the young girl from the water and brought her to shore, where she was still unconscious.
With lifeguards on scene they proceeded with casualty care, monitoring her breathing. Emergency services soon arrived, with paramedics treating her alongside the lifeguards on the beach. At 5.45pm, the Coastguard rescue helicopter arrived and she was taken to hospital, where she has since been discharged.
Aberavon Senior RNLI Beach Lifeguard, Sophie Phillips, said: “We are so relieved that she is recovering and back home safely. A big well done to the team at Aberavon yesterday and the efficient multi-agency response we had from the paramedics, HM Coastguard, police and lifeboat crew
“As soon as we were alerted to the incident by the lifeboat crew, our lifeguards were able to respond within minutes. This is a reminder of the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach.
“Our lifeguards undertake casualty care training and are able to respond to medical emergencies on the beach, as well as helping people in the water.
“If you are planning on going to the beach, always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the area of the beach that our lifeguards are actively patrolling, and can respond if you do get into difficulty.
“If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and alert the lifeguard team if you are close by.”
Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “The lifeguards at Aberavon and our other beaches have been exceptional this week, especially with the recent heatwave leaving very busy beach numbers and multiple incidents happening throughout the week.
“Please continue to follow lifeguard advice when enjoying the coast and come and ask the team if you have any questions.
“You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by visiting the RNLI website.”
Clive Morris, Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “As soon as we got the launch request from the Coastguard, I alerted the lifeguard team as I knew they could get there quickly on land with their first-aid equipment.
“This was a fantastic example of a multiagency response and huge respect to the man and other members of the public who initially helped the young girl. We’re so pleased she’s home and recovering.”
