Swimmer saved in dramatic 'snatch' rescue

A swimmer has been saved in a time-critical rescue at Groomsport Harbour, Northern Ireland, thanks to his own actions and the quick thinking members of the public who called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.



The man found himself in difficulties on Friday (6 September) during his regular sea swim at around 8am and his calls for help were heard by several members of the public on the shore. They immediately called 999 to alert the Coastguard which meant that expert rescue teams were quickly sent to help.

Coastguard rescue teams from Bangor and Portaferry were sent, along with the RNLI lifeboat from Bangor and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

No time to lose

When the rescue teams arrived at the scene, they could see there was no time to lose. While waiting for the rescuers, the tired and chilled swimmer had done the right thing and adopted the Float To Live position.

He was about 50 metres off the shore and the highly trained Coastguard rescue teams decided the swiftest and safest way to get him to shore was via a snatch rescue. The snatch technique is when a Coastguard officer who is tethered to others, enters the water with minimal protective equipment to get the casualty out of danger.

Water 'snatch' rescue

Ryan Gray, a Senior Coastal Operations Officer lives nearby and was already wearing the correct personal protection equipment so he was the first choice to go into the water to help.

“There was no time to lose and it was time-critical to get the swimmer out of the water and into the care of the ambulance service. The teams all together to get the man to safety and today’s rescue is a prime example of how our training helps ensure we work as one to make the right decisions quickly and help save lives. We wish the casualty a swift recovery,” said Ryan.

Belfast Coastguard co-ordinated the rescue and has praised the actions of the public for quickly dialling 999 an

If you see anyone in difficulties at the coast, always call 999 without delay and ask for the Coastguard.


Beach safety | HM Coatgsuard UK





Location: Groomsport, Bangor BT19 6JP, UK

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