Lifeguards Save 11 from Sudden Rip at Portrush

A group of 11 teenagers was rescued from a dangerous rip current at Portrush East Strand on Saturday, after a sudden change in sea conditions swept them out of their depth.

The incident unfolded shortly after midday when a flash rip formed between the black-and-white checkered flags, rapidly pulling the swimmers and bodyboarders away from the shore.

RNLI lifeguards Paul Richmond and Cameron Leighton immediately entered the water on rescue boards, quickly assessing who was most at risk before reaching the casualties.

Each lifeguard secured one person onto their board, with two more clinging to the sides, before returning six of the group to the beach. The teenagers were handed into the care of fellow lifeguard Oliver Knox while Richmond and Leighton returned for the remaining five.

Cameron brought three of them safely ashore, while Paul assisted the final two. All 11 were shaken but unharmed.

Speaking after the rescue, Mr Richmond urged beachgoers to heed lifeguard safety advice.
“The flagged areas mark the safest spots to swim and most importantly are monitored by lifeguards. On Saturday, we were able to spot the danger quickly and act immediately,” he said. “If you’re visiting the coast, choose a lifeguarded beach. Remember, where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.”

Lisa McAuley, whose teenage son was among those rescued, said she was deeply grateful for the swift intervention.

“The lifeguards’ quick response prevented serious injury or worse,” she said. “If the teenagers hadn’t been swimming between the flags, it could have ended very differently. I’d also like to thank the local surfers who stepped in, your boards became lifelines until help arrived.”

The RNLI has reminded the public to choose lifeguarded beaches, swim between the red and yellow flags, and know how to respond if caught in a rip current. Advice includes swimming parallel to shore until free of the current, wading where possible, and signalling for help rather than trying to fight against the pull.