A surfer has been praised for his quick actions after rescuing a 14-year-old boy who got into difficulty in the water at Inch Beach after being caught in a rip current.
As temperatures rise and more people head to Ireland’s beaches, emergency services are reminding the public that the sea can still be dangerous, with strong currents and rapidly changing conditions posing serious risks.
Guileen Coast Guard received an alert at 1.16pm yesterday reporting that a person was struggling in the water at Inch Beach. Rescue teams were immediately sent to the scene, but on arrival discovered that the teenager had already been safely brought back to shore by a surfer who noticed he was in trouble.
It is understood the boy had become separated from his bodyboard before being dragged towards the western side of the beach by a rip current. Unable to get back safely on his own, he was spotted by a surfer nearby.
Without hesitation, the surfer paddled out on his board, reached the teen, and used the board to help guide him back to shore safely.
Members of Guileen Coast Guard assessed the teenager once he was ashore and confirmed that he did not need any further medical attention.
The unnamed rescuer has since been widely praised, with coast guard members describing surfers as the “silent heroes” of many beach emergencies due to their experience in the water and willingness to help others.
A spokesperson for Guileen Coast Guard said the unit was tasked shortly after 1pm following reports of a person in difficulty in the sea at Inch Beach. When crews arrived, they found the 14-year-old had already been rescued by a surfer.
They added that the casualty had been swept westward by a rip current after losing contact with his bodyboard, but thankfully required no further assistance after being checked over at the scene.
The incident has prompted renewed safety warnings as beach visits increase during the warmer weather.
The Coast Guard is urging anyone who spots someone in trouble in the water to call 112 or 999 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.
The RNLI has also reminded people planning visits to the coast or inland waterways to take precautions before entering the water. Beachgoers are advised to choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, check weather forecasts, tide times, and be aware of local hazards before arriving.
Families are encouraged to supervise children closely at all times and never allow anyone to swim alone.
RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said swimmers should always choose a lifeguarded beach and stay between the designated flags, warning that beaches without flags do not have lifeguards on duty.
The charity also recommends using the “Float to Live” technique if someone unexpectedly ends up in the water. This involves lying on your back, keeping calm, and controlling breathing until help arrives or the person is able to make it safely to shore.
