RNLI Lifeguard Cohan Currie-Laverty, who rescued a swimmer at Portstewart Beach yesterday.
RNLI lifeguard Cohan Currie – Laverty was patrolling Portstewart Beach when he noticed a swimmer in distress yesterday afternoon (7 August).
The swimmer had entered a rip current and was failing to make progress. Upon noticing this, Cohan responded quickly by entering the water with his rescue board. Cohan had reached the swimmer just in time as she had begun to panic in the rip current and was struggling to keep her head above the water.
Once the swimmer was on the rescue board, Cohan reassured the casualty to keep calm and to try to breathe normally as they made their way ashore. Cohan made the decision to make way to Bailey’s Beach, a smaller beach by Portstewart Strand, as it was closer to them.
Once safely ashore, Cohan assessed the swimmer who was shaken by the ordeal however did not require further casualty care.
Speaking to Cohan following the rescue, he said: “This incident highlights how strong rip currents are. Rips can catch even the most experienced beachgoers out so if you do find yourself in trouble, Float to Live.
“Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it could save your life: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan has thanked the young lifeguard saying: “Both a Happy Birthday and a heartfelt thank you to Cohan and indeed all the RNLI lifeguards who protect our coastline and saves lives – as Cohan so bravely did yesterday.
“This comes only days after RNLI lifeguard Eva Jones also rescued a bodyboarder in challenging conditions a few days ago in Portrush.
“As a previous RNLI lifeboat volunteer myself, I fully appreciate how challenging the work the RNLI does to save lives is, and I would like to personally thank both Cohan, Eva and the RNLI for protecting our residents here in Causeway Coast and Glens.”
Cohan, who was celebrating his birthday on the day, added: “It’s a nice way to celebrate my 18th birthday, by helping others. I’ll definitely remember this birthday for the rest of my life.”
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and, provides a seasonal lifeguard service on beaches along the Causeway Coast and in County Down. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
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