Lifeguards on both sides of the Atlantic have been busy with dramatic rescues while calling for greater recognition of their role in public safety.
In Northern Ireland, RNLI lifeguards marked 15 years of beach patrols with a notable rescue.
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In 2022, they saved Andrew Todd and his children from a sudden rip current near Whiterocks beach.
The entire rescue took about 30 seconds, showcasing the team's readiness and efficiency.
Since the service began, RNLI lifeguards have responded to 2,300 incidents and completed 500 rescues across the UK.
Prevention remains a key focus, accounting for 95% of their work.
Freya Macfarlane, a lifeguard in Northern Ireland, described daily hazard assessments and preventive measures like offshore wind warnings and social media education on water safety.
Andrew Todd recalled the incident, saying, "It was all done and dusted in 30 seconds, it felt like a long time at the time but it was all very quick, very efficient."
Macfarlane advised beachgoers to check tide times and swim between lifeguarded flags.
"My message would be to check the tide times and the condition of a beach before you go and just make sure that beach is RNLI lifeguarded.
We know how to keep you safe and monitor you all the time," she said.
Michael Thompson, RNLI lifeguard lead for Northern Ireland, noted an increase in beach visitors and stressed the importance of consulting lifeguards about local hazards such as rip currents and dangerous waves.
