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The quick-thinking actions of one of the Isle of Wight Council's beach lifeguards averted disaster on Friday 9 July when a young holidaymaker got into difficulties while swimming off Ventnor beach.
Beach lifeguard Eddie Cole spotted Alex Deboeck, 14, struggling in the water some distance from the shore.
Utilising his rescue board, he paddled to Alex who was becoming increasingly distressed as he drifted in the current. After hoisting him to safety the pair paddled back to the beach, much to the relief of his mother who was watching events unfold from the shore.
Commenting on the rescue, Eddie, 27, from South Africa said: "The beach was busy with people enjoying the good weather. We keep a constant watch on the water and I spotted the swimmer while out on Esplanade Patrol.
"He was trying to swim towards a marker buoy but as he approached it, he clearly became tired and got caught out by the current.
"I would advise beach users to swim within their abilities and talk to the beach lifeguards who are always on hand to provide advice about tides and currents."
Alex's mother, Fay Deboeck, who has a holiday home in Ventnor said: "I am very grateful to the lifeguards for their work. They were very prompt and reached Alex before things could have taken a turn for the worse."
Cllr Edward Giles, IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport, praised the efforts of the lifeguard, he said: "Once again our lifeguards have demonstrated their professionalism and ability to deal with rescue situations quickly and calmly. Well done to everyone involved."
