Beach Lifeguards Rescue Pier Jumper

21 May 2008

Eastbourne's beach lifeguards swam more than 50 metres in dangerously cold waters earlier this month to rescue a man who jumped from Eastbourne Pier.

The dramatic rescue saw beach lifeguard, Jack Visick, assisted by colleague, Garry Cairns, swim 50 metres to pull a man to safety after he was unable to make it back to shore after jumping from the end of the pier. After noticing calls for help from the man who had drifted into the waters opposite the Bandstand, Jack and Garry swam through the 13 degree seas to get the man onto the beach before the RNLI and Coastguard arrived.

Putting their training into action, the beach lifeguards demonstrated their vital role on Eastbourne's most popular Blue Flag beaches and are keen to promote beach safety.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "We want everyone to enjoy the sea and beaches at Eastbourne and with the weather getting warmer people are making the most of the sunshine, but it is still important to be aware of the risks. The rescue by the beach lifeguards is an example of the crucial role they play in keeping everybody safe and acting on the first signs of danger."

With the sunny days looking set to continue and everybody getting into the summer spirit, Eastbourne beach lifeguards want people to enjoy the sun and stay safe at the same time.

Top tips include:
• Do not drink alcohol on the beach and never go into the water after drinking alcohol
• Never swim when the Red Flag is flying
• Do not swim near the pier or the groynes
• Ask a lifeguard before taking an inflatable onto the water and always follow their advice
• Swim with a friend

A Beach Safety Leaflet is available from the seafront office and www.visiteastbourne.com and also contains advice on sun safety, plus the Kidzsafe scheme, which operates on the beach between the Wish Tower and the pier.

BBC Breakfast featured the Kidzsafe scheme last weekend and highlighted the brightly coloured children's waterproof wristbands that are available from lifeguards, deckchair assistants and the seafront office. Parents can write their contact details on these wristbands to help reunite them if the children become lost.

Eastbourne Borough Council are keen to get an early message out this summer to promote beach safety and ensure that beach fans stay safe on Eastbourne beach.

Top tips, leaflets, and Kids' Beach Safety Packs can all be picked up from the Seafront Office or downloaded online from www.visiteastbourne.com . For more information telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031.