Our very own rescue hero

There has been much in the news about the tragic deaths of swimmers in open water recently, and with another heat wave approaching it’s essential to be vigilant around water and to know what to do in an emergency. I am so very happy to report the positive news of the safe rescues of 4 teenagers thanks to one of our Flipper Club swimmers - Freddie Winter, age 10 years old.

Whilst on the beach at Littlehampton with his family, Freddie spotted some swimmers in distress being pulled away from the shore in fast waters from the River Arun. Freddie quickly raced to the lifeguard tower and alerted the lifeguards on duty - Ella and Reggie.

The lifeguards entered the water to rescue the 4 swimmers with the support of an RNLI lifeboat and all were brought to safety. This could have ended very differently for the swimmers without the fast response from Freddie.

 

What did Freddie do correctly?

  • He knew not to enter the water himself to attempt a rescue

  • He alerted the lifeguards immediately

What can we learn from the swimmers?

  • Swim between the yellow and red flags where it’s safe and monitored by lifeguards

  • Always read the signs to understand the risks and hazards of the water you are entering e.g. fast flowing river mouth and tidal waters

  • Have adult supervision, tell someone where you are

  • Stay in waters suitable for your level of swim ability

 

What else can we do to keep safe?

  • Speak to the lifeguards before entering the water to understand the local conditions

  • If you are planning on swimming, take a tow float to remain visible in the water

  • Be aware of Cold Water Shock - especially in this heat wave

  • If you see someone else in trouble, alert the lifeguards as Freddie did, or call 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD

  • If you get into difficulty in the water - FLOAT TO LIVE

Where can you learn more?

The River Arun at Littlehampton

 

THE RNLI Lifeguards were so impressed with Freddie’s actions they wrote to him and recoded him a video message:

My name is Sydney and I am the Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the RNLI Lifeguards in West Sussex & Hampshire.

Thank you so much for getting in touch about your part in helping those in need of rescue on Littlehampton Beach last Wednesday 27th May 2026. Your quick thinking undoubtedly helped to save those 4 teenagers, alerting the lifeguards who were able to go to their aid, along with the RNLI Littlehampton Lifeboat, the situation resolved with everyone being bought back to shore safely. It’s amazing to hear that you are a storm force member, perhaps one day you will consider becoming a Beach Lifeguard for the RNLI and learning all about how to rescue those in need.

 

Click on the image to play the recorded video from the lifeguards

 

Well done to Freddie, we’d love to have you as a lifeguard with The Flipper Club in the future!

 
Amanda Sharples