Quick-Thinking RNLI Duo Rescues Unconscious Toddler on Eastbourne Beach
Two Eastbourne RNLI volunteers pulled off a heroic rescue on Saturday, April 8, saving a two-year-old child who had stopped breathing on the beach near Sovereign Harbour’s all-weather lifeboat station.
Chance Meeting Turns Into Life-Saving Mission
Coxswain Mark Sawyer and his son David were just leaving the station after a day out when a Sovereign Harbour manager rushed over, urgently seeking help. A nearby beachgoer had spotted the RNLI flag and flagged them down after noticing the distressed child.
CPR Saves the Day
David was first to reach the child before Mark took over. Using their expert training, Mark administered CPR and soon got the toddler breathing again. They carefully placed the youngster in the recovery position and maintained breathing until paramedics arrived.
RNLI volunteers spend countless hours training for various scenarios, including casualty care, and we were able to put this training into action on that afternoon. We hope the casualty makes a full recovery, and our thoughts and good wishes are with them and their family,” said Mark Sawyer.
