Swimmer, 71, rescued after getting into difficulty off Littlehampton beach
A swimmer’s family have thanked the lifeguard and members of the public who rescued her, after she got into difficulty close to the shore at Littlehampton.
Katie Knight said her sister, Jackie, has been swimming for around 70 years, but was caught out by worsening sea conditions on Tuesday, July 7.
Jackie, 71, was close to the shoreline when she began struggling in the water.
Fortunately, an RNLI lifeguard was in the process of moving the beach safety flags because the sea had become rough when they spotted she was in difficulty nearby.
The lifeguard, assisted by other people on the beach, rescued Jackie from the water.
She went into shock following the incident and was taken by ambulance to Worthing Hospital, arriving at about 4.30pm.
After a short spell in hospital, Jackie has now returned home but remains shaken by her ordeal.
Her family say the outcome could have been very different without the quick actions of the rescuers.
Katie said: "My sister was close to shore and we'd like to thank the lifeguard and other people on the beach who rescued her.
"After a short spell in hospital she has returned home, still shaken up.
"It could have ended so differently without them.
"From her three sisters, we want to thank everybody. She is alright and doing well."
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that ambulance crews attended.
A spokesperson added: “One patient was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Worthing Hospital for further treatment.”
The incident serves as a reminder that even experienced swimmers can get into difficulty when sea conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.
Maisie Rafferty, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for West Sussex and Hampshire, said: “An RNLI lifeguard at Littlehampton rescued a swimmer who got into difficulty on Monday.
"Thankfully, she was swimming in between the red and yellow flags meaning the lifeguard spotted her quickly and was able to respond swiftly. The casualty was brought to shore where the lifeguard administered first aid until the ambulance service arrived.
“We would always recommend that people visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.”
If people find themselves in trouble in the water, they are advised to use the RNLI’s Float To Live technique:
– Tilt your head back with ears submerged;
– Relax and try to control your breathing;
– Use your hands to help you stay afloat;
– It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently;
– Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.
If a member of the public sees anyone in difficulty in the water, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.