Mass rescue from rip current in Bournemouth

A group of 17 people had to be rescued by lifeguards after getting caught in a rip current off Bournemouth beach.

A group of 17 people had to be rescued by lifeguards after getting caught in a rip current off Bournemouth beach. The people were swimming on the east side of the beach when, due to the large number of people, a lifeguard from the RNLI made the decision to paddle out of a rescue board to offer help and advice.

As the lifeguard began to paddle out, a flash-rip current started to form, sweeping the group of swimmers out to sea.

The lifeguard came to the assistance of six casualties on the rescue board and called his colleagues over to assist.

Nine RNLI lifeguards arrived within minutes and helped the group of swimmers to safety.

All 17 people were brought back to shore and one was checked over by a medic that was on-site, Daily Echo reports.

Ethan Fox, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said this sort of incident was “unusual” for the area.

He said: “It’s very unusual for a flash-rip current to develop in this area, but when they do form they develop quickly.

“Thankfully the group were well prepared and had followed the charity’s advice by swimming between the red and yellow flags – this is the area that’s closely monitored by the lifeguards throughout the day.

“If this would have happened outside the flags, the lifeguards would not have been able to respond so quickly and assist the large group safely back to shore.”

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