After barely four months of training, a young lifeguard was able to save the life of Randolph Alexander who was swept away by the current at Bathway beach.
The incident happened on Saturday morning, May 14, while 75-year-old Alexander from Mt Rose was bathing in the sea and was pushed toward the breakwater rocks. He was unable to get back to shore.
The elderly man struggled and clung to the rocks. The lifeguard, Andrew Fleming, from River Salle after realising that he was in trouble rushed out to sea to make the rescue. He brought the semi-conscious man to shore and put him in the recovery position while emergency services were contacted.
Fleming stated he had his eyes on Alexander and when he realized the man was in distress, immediately entered the water.
Lovell Alexander, his supervisor, in commending Andrew on his actions stated, “Andrew began working for Grenada Lifeguards in January and he put his recent training into action with a swift and competent rescue using the tubes the lifeguards always carry. Most of our work is preventative, but this was a serious rescue in which the man was saved from probable death.”
The man was eventually released to his brother who took him to the medical clinic for assessment of possible dry drowning. Dry drowning can occur when an individual inhales water when in a panicked situation. An individual’s windpipe muscles could close to protect them and large amounts of water can go into the stomach.
Lovell followed up with Randolph Alexander on Sunday. He is thankful that the Lifeguards saved his life.
