Story By: Les Steed, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

An RNLI lifeguard has been filmed saving a drowning teenager about to be dashed onto rocks and swept out to sea by jumping into the raging sea off Portrush, Northern Ireland.

The daring rescue saw volunteers pull up next to the rocks as the teen trod water in the swells before a brave member jumped over the side and grabbed him just off Portstewart Head at 2:42 pm on Friday 25th September.

The crew under coxswain Des Austin backed the boat up and pulled the victim onboard while the pair were still in the water.

Weather conditions at the time were challenging with a Force 6-7 north to northwest wind, some showers and a rough sea with 2-3m swells, in spite of good visability.

As the lifeboat approached the scene, the crew spotted a person in the water waving their arms. A teenage boy who was wearing a wetsuit was struggling against an ebbing tide off the west side of Portstewart Head.

The Coxswain maneuvered the lifeboat close to where the casualty was in the surf and breaking waves while the station’s mechanic donned a drysuit and PPE.

A line was then attached to the mechanic who jumped into the water and grabbed the casualty to pull him to safety.

The remainder of the crew pulled the mechanic and casualty around to the starboard side of the lifeboat as the Coxswain maneuvered into position.

The lifeboat crew administered casualty care to make the boy who was showing signs of hypothermia and exhaustion and was suffering from the effects of shock, comfortable, as the lifeboat made its way back to Portrush Harbour. He was then transferred into the care of Coleraine Coastguard and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Speaking following the call out, Portrush RNLI Coxswain Des Austin said: “Conditions were challenging at sea today and time was of the essence.

“The tide was turning at the time the casualty got into difficulty and the conditions were pulling him out to sea.

“The prompt actions of the lifeboat crew saved a life and we would like to wish the casualty well following his ordeal.”

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