Junior lifesaver sees the skills of the job first hand after his accident

TRAINING SESSION TURNS INTO REAL-LIFE LEARNING

- By OWEN YOUNGER

A MUM from Gosforth has thanked the rescue teams who helped her 13-year-old son Will, after he suffered a dislocated kneecap in the North Sea during his own lifeguard training session in Tynemouth Longsands.

Will, who is doing his training with the North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards (NSVL), became injured when he tried to pull himself back up on to his board during a Saturday morning practical session.

The situation was responded to promptly by NSVL volunteers and the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Search and Rescue team, and Will was brought safely to shore and cared for, before being transferred to hospital.

During the incident, lifeguards jumped into action, safely floating Will to shore and keeping him calm.

Fortunately, two parents of youngsters involved in the session, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and an A&E doctor, were on hand to provide further care.