RAY OF SUNSHINE…Hero lifeguard Ray Cunningham saves schooboy from Co Derry waters
THIS is the hero lifeguard who saved the day for an eight-year-old boy after he into difficulties while swimming off a beach in Co Derry.
RNLI lifeguard Ray Cunningham spotted the boy about 50 metres out to sea on Tuesday afternoon trying to stay afloat on a bodyboard when he became distressed.
Ray sprung into action and braved the cold waters at Downhill Beach, Castlerock, to bring the school boy safely back to shore and into the arms of his mummy.
Liferguard Ray said the primary school boy had been “very lucky”.
“The boy was on his bodyboard outside the red and yellow flags set which we had set up to indicate the safest area to enjoy the water, when he showed signs of being in difficulty.
“It was a nice day but we would urge people who want to enjoy the sea to stay between the flags and be vigilant for rip currents,” Mr Cunningham added.
“This young boy was very lucky, he was working so hard to try and get back to the shore but he was going nowhere and becoming exhausted.
“He was pretty shaken by the ordeal but thankfully had no injuries.”
Ray Cunningham’s lifeguard station at Downhill Beach, Co Derry
