Bangor RNLI urges swimmers to ‘assess conditions’ after Christmas Day rescue

The team at RNLI Bangor have called on swimmers to ‘assess conditions’ before entering the water after a rescue operation was launched to assist two swimmers in difficulty at Helen’s Bay.

The RNLI crew were tasked to the scene of the incident by Belfast Coastguard just before 11am on Christmas Day. Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with Air Ambulance NI and Police also attended the emergency.

The two were reported to be having problems off Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay, by a passerby who called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.

A spokesperson for RNLI Bangor said:

“When our volunteer crew arrived on the scene, there was one swimmer still in the water, and two of our crew jumped in to rescue the casualty.

“Conditions were very poor, so we would ask all sea swimmers to assess the conditions before entering the water.

“The casualties in this case were only 15m metres or so from the beach, but against a strong offshore wind they tired quickly.”

The spokesperson continued:

“Our thanks to our crew John Bell, Ewan Rathbone-Scott, Gavin Mitchell, and Johnny Gedge, who provided exceptional care in very trying circumstances. Without their commitment and training, two local families would be facing a very different Christmas.

“If you are planning to swim on Boxing Day or over the New Year, please take extra care.”

Video: Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team

Both swimmers were handed into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.