Andrew Todd and his children were swimming off Whiterocks beach near Portrush in County Antrim in the summer of 2022 when they were caught in a rip current. Todd, an experienced sea kayaker, recognized the danger and knew that lifeguards were on duty.
"Straight away I knew he was in a rip [current]," Todd said. "The lifeguard said afterwards that the rip formed so quickly... it just absolutely came from nowhere."
Todd described the rescue as swift and efficient, stating, "It was all done and dusted in 30 seconds." He noted that the lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were crucial in ensuring their safety.
The RNLI lifeguard service on Northern Ireland's coast is marking 15 years of operation. The service began 10 years after it was first launched in England and now patrols beaches along the north coast and in County Down.
Todd, who lives in Helen's Bay in County Down, had previously advised his children, Issy and Zack, on beach safety, including swimming between the red and yellow flags designating the lifeguarded area. However, the rip current appeared unexpectedly.
"That's the thing, the days change constantly, you've got to keep your wits about you and that day we just got caught off guard," Todd reflected. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of sea conditions and the importance of vigilant lifeguards.
