Portrush Inshor Lifeboat launched to aid swimmer

Three volunteer lifeboat crew launched the inshore lifeboat in cloudy conditions in a slight sea swell towards Portstewart where they observed a young adult male not making progress in the sea. The swimmer had got very tired and was spotted by an onlooker who raised the alarm.

The lifeboat crew quickly arrived on scene and got the male into the Inshore Lifeboat and took him the short distance to Portstewart Harbour where they handed him into the care of the Coastguard.

Robin Cardwell Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Station said: “The Onlooker did exactly the right thing. The RNLI would rather be called out if there is a danger of someone being in difficulty in the water. That’s what we are trained to do.

“The Respect The Water Campaign highlights the dangers of the cold water and how quickly it is to get into difficulties.”