A group of seven teenagers, aged between 14 and 16 were enjoying a hot afternoon on Hastings beach on 4th September 2021 when they suddenly noticed that two swimmers in the sea were experiencing difficulties and being swept out in a strong current.

They acted quickly and threw a life ring to the swimmers with a rope attached. They were able to pull them over to some rocks at the harbour wall where they could recover. RNLI Hastings Lifeboat station launched to the incident and the swimmers were brought to shore where they handed over to the care of the local ambulance service. They made a full recovery.

Emma, 16:

We saw the swimmers were really struggling in the water and knew we needed to help them quickly. Luckily there was a life ring close by so we threw it to them and were able to pull them into onto the rocks before help arrived.

We knew that going into the water ourselves would be too risky, so calling 999 Coastguard and throwing them a life ring was the best way of helping. It was a really scary situation to be in, we’re just thankful there was a life ring close by and a RNLI lifeboat arrived so quickly after we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.