Stay Safe This Summer in Lowestoft

LIFEGUARDS dealt with the fewest number of incidents ever recorded at the Lowestoft air show.Head lifeguard Dan Tyler said there were nine lifeguards patrolling each day, each paired with a sea steward.

LIFEGUARDS dealt with the fewest number of incidents ever recorded at the Lowestoft air show.

Head lifeguard Dan Tyler said there were nine lifeguards patrolling each day, each paired with a sea steward.

'We also had someone at each station co-ordinating the lifeguards and a two-man team on the rescue ski,' he said.

'Thanks to the stewards and lifeguards handing out wristbands there were very few lost children this year. There was great take-up for the scheme and it worked very well,' Mr Tyler said.

'The tide and winds were very strong on both days especially after and around midday when they started ebbing out. Some swimmers started to drift towards the groynes and pier. The lifeguards were very pro-active and moved people away from any dangers.

'Only four rescues were made on the Thursday and two on the Friday. All casualties were successfully brought to safety.'

On the Thursday a 16-year-old casualty was taken from the beach in an ambulance after drifting into a groyne when the tide turned. He was saved by the rescue ski crew, treated for hypothermia and shock and taken to hospital but released the same day.

Mr Tyler added: 'Please remember to always check out the beach when you arrive, so that you spot any potential dangers. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes and breakwaters. It is also advisable to check the tide before you enter the water. Tide information is always available at our lifeguard stations. If you are not sure, or do not understand please check with a lifeguard.

'A special thanks goes to Peter Dukes who volunteers every year to Lifeguard the air show, and to Paul Weavers and Jonny Rogers from the Volunteer service, who also gave up their time to help lifeguard on the two days,' he added.