A lifeguard held on to a wing foiler while being struck by large waves during a challenging rescue near El Tico – just days before Jersey’s beach patrols ended for the season.
RNLI lifeguards Ollie Gould, Jean Barbe-Pinel and Nathan Elms have been praised for their calm decision-making after helping the man ashore on the evening of 26 October.
The wing foiler was around 400 metres offshore when the team, who had been monitoring the situation, recognised that conditions were becoming increasingly dangerous.
The rising tide was cutting off access points, visibility was fading after sunset and large waves were hitting the seawall, creating powerful backwash.
Having assessed the risks, the lifeguards decided that entering the water would put them in unacceptable danger and could compromise the rescue.
Instead, they directed the man from shore, telling him to detach from his equipment and make his way towards a set of stairs between waves.
As he reached the seawall, Mr Gould grabbed him from a safe position on the stairs.
Despite being hit by several large waves, he maintained his grip and helped the wing foiler out of the water.
An ambulance was requested to assess the man.
The St Helier all-weather lifeboat and Jersey Fire and Rescue Service were subsequently stood down.
Jake Elms, the RNLI’s lead lifeguard supervisor for Jersey, said: “The team continually assessed the situation as conditions changed and made calm decisions throughout.
“Choosing not to enter the water was the safest option for everyone involved, and their ability to adapt their rescue plan ultimately helped bring the casualty safely ashore.”
The rescue came towards the end of what Mr Elms described as one of the team’s busiest seasons, with heatwaves drawing huge numbers to the beaches alongside periods of challenging weather and storms.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to keep beachgoers safe and have responded brilliantly to everything the season has thrown at them,” he added.
Seasonal lifeguard cover ended on all Jersey beaches yesterday, on 1 November.
The RNLI is urging anyone taking part in watersports to plan carefully and avoid entering the sea close to or after dark, when reduced visibility makes conditions harder to judge and people more difficult for emergency services to locate.
Beachgoers are also being reminded to take extra care and never enter the water alone.
Anyone who sees someone in trouble in the water should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
