Girl 'undoubtedly' saved own life in rip current

Matthew Ormston (middle) was surfing when he spotted the rescue effort

An off-duty lifeguard who helped rescue a family caught in a strong rip current claims they saved their own lives.

A mother and her two children were swept out about 75m (246ft) when swimming off Longsands in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, before being spotted by lifeguards and Matthew Ormston, who was surfing on his day off.

Instead of fighting against the current, the family used a technique called "float to live" which Mr Ormston believes "honestly saved their lives".

Rip currents are a common occurrence at the south side of Longsands due to the swell and being swept out can "happen to anyone", according to the lifeguard.

Mr Ormston was surfing when he saw the lifeguards spot the family, leading him to put his surfboard down and pick up the rescue board, before paddling out to reach them.

"I think it just shows how powerful these currents are," he said. "Because you can be a couple metres from the tide line from the beach and all of a sudden you're that far out."

Tynemouth is a popular spot for swimming and surfing in the North East

The daughter, who was swept out the furthest, was found in the "float to live" position which involves floating on your back, tilting your head back with your ears submerged, controlling your breathing and relaxing.

The method ensures people do not panic and tire themselves out.

Sam Bywater, the lifeguard on duty, said he was "so grateful that she knew what to do" and that it "undoubtedly saved her life".

All three were rescued and taken back to safety, where they received oxygen and medical attention.

The RNLI has urged people to learn the technique, but to also make sure to use a lifeguarded beach and stick between the red and yellow flags.

Mr Ormston said getting swept out could "happen to anyone".

"It's happened to me while I've been surfing, when I've been teaching surf lessons where currents open up and we've drifted out," he continued.

"It's more just how you deal with it once you realise you're being drifted out and that's what this family did really well. They used the float to live technique and I think honestly that save their lives that day."