Mother and daughter rescued by RNLI Lifeguards from rip current at North Coast beach

RNLI Senior Lifeguard Bosco McAuley

RNLI lifeguards came to the aid of a mother and daughter caught in a dangerous rip current on Downhill Beach yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 9 July).

The pair had been enjoying the calm, warm weather when a sudden flash rip current formed, pulling them out to sea and quickly beyond their depth.

RNLI Senior Lifeguard Bosco McAuley, who was patrolling the busy beach on a rescue board, noticed the swimmers were in difficulty near the newly formed rip. Acting swiftly, he paddled out to them, allowing both to hold onto the rescue board and catch their breath.

Bosco was able to place the young girl safely onto the board while the mother held on, and he guided them both back to shore without injury.

Reflecting on the incident, Bosco McAuley said:

“This incident highlights that you don’t have to go far out at sea to get in trouble. It’s great that the mother and daughter decided to visit a lifeguarded beach as it meant we could instantly spot them as soon as they found themselves in trouble.

“If you do find yourself caught in a rip current try and stay calm. If you can stand, wade. Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.

“If you can’t swim, float. Lean back in the water and extend your arms and legs.”

With warm weather forecast over the coming weekend, the RNLI is encouraging beachgoers to choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the safest area for swimming.

An RNLI spokesperson added:

“Where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.”