Lifeguards rescue child and four adults off Lady’s Mile

Limassol, Cyprus. Lifeguards rescued a three-year-old child and four adults off Lady’s Mile on Monday after strong winds swept the child’s inflatable out to sea.

The child, who could not swim, was returned safely to their family, while no injuries were reported.

Rescue operation

The incident occurred at about 5.50pm, 10 minutes before the Limassol Lifeguard Unit’s shift was due to end at 6pm.

According to the lifeguard unit, the child had been on the beach with their father and briefly moved out of his sight. Strong winds in the area then pushed the inflatable, with the child alone on board, out to sea.

After realising what had happened, the father entered the water with three friends and attempted to swim to the child. The four adults became exhausted and began calling for help.

Lifeguard response

Rescuers from the Lady’s Mile lifeguard unit, designated Unit 17, responded and reached the child and the four adults.

The child was found alone on the inflatable and was visibly panicked, the team said. Lifeguards calmed the child, fitted a life jacket and brought them back to shore by jet ski.

The rescue was the 17th incident of its kind handled by the unit at Lady’s Mile so far this season.

Safety appeal

The Limassol Lifeguard Unit urged parents and guardians to maintain constant supervision of young children, particularly during strong winds, warning that even a brief lapse in supervision could have serious consequences.