Two nurses out for a dip came to the rescue of five children who got into difficulties at Minerstown beach
Downpatrick councillor Conor Galbraith (SDLP) has praised two off-duty nurses Sinead Deane and Veronica Sloan who helped five children near Newcastle who got into difficulty in the sea.
The incident happened at Minerstown Beach on Sunday evening.xa0The nurses had gone for a dip in the sea when they saw the five children calling for help. Two were in deeper water and distressed. They were quite far out from the shoreline and Sinead managed to swim out to them and help them back to safety.
Councillor Galbraith said: “I cannot commend the bravery of the two off-duty nurses who intervened in this situation highly enough. Five young children were caught up in the tide and I dread to think what would have happened if these nurses were not there to help.
“Not only did they rescue these children, they stayed with them and cared for them until the emergency services arrived. They went above and beyond in a very difficult situation, putting themselves in harm’s way to bring these children to safety. These nurses showed total selflessness and unbelievable bravery.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their help and the members of the public who opened their homes to these children while they awaited care.
“Everyone involved in this rescue represents the best of our community and I hope the children involved will recover quickly from what must have been a scary experience.”
RNLI issues safety advice ahead of hot weather
As Northern Ireland prepares for a spell of hot weather, the RNLI is urging families to enjoy themselves but to put safety first.
The RNLI is asking anyone planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following this advice:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
- Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, Float to Live
- In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI lifeguards will be providing a daily patrol between 10am and 6pm on beaches at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West and Portrush East Strands, Whiterocks and Ballycastle on the Causeway Coast, and Tyrella, Murlough and Cranfield in County Down. Lifeguards are trained in casualty care and water rescue and will be on hand to offer water safety advice to the public and provide information on sea conditions that day.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: “We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures.
“Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags. Remember where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.
‘If you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live.
“Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life.
“Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, Float to Live: 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.’
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