RNLI lifeguards rescue wing foiler off Jersey coast during heavy waves

Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards rescued a wing foiler who was stranded in large waves off the coast of Jersey on the evening of 26 October, Bailiwick Express reported. The incident occurred near El Tico, just days before the seasonal beach patrols for the island ended. [1]

Bailiwick Express reported that lifeguards Ollie Gould, Jean Barbe-Pinel, and Nathan Elms monitored the situation as conditions worsened. The wing foiler was approximately 400 metres offshore when the team recognized that the individual needed immediate assistance. [1]

During the rescue operation, a lifeguard held on to the wing foiler while repeatedly being struck by large waves. According to Bailiwick Express, the lifeguard team was praised for calm decision-making after successfully helping the man back to the shore. [1]

Lifeguards are trained rescuers responsible for supervising the safety of swimmers, surfers, and water sports participants. Modern lifeguarding practices trace their roots to volunteer maritime lifesaving efforts established in the 1700s. [2][3]