‘MY YOUNGEST SON …DROWNED IN A RIP TIDE’
 ‘The Silent Epidemic’ in the latest issue of Lifeboat evokes powerful feelings. 10 years ago my youngest son who was participating in a turtle wildlife rescue programme in Costa Rica, and who was a competent swimmer, drowned in a rip tide. Sadly, Jonathan had not been taught how to escape and I think this is a serious omission. I was appalled to discover how many holidaymakers at favourite coastal resorts, where the hazards of rip tides aren’t publicised, succumb to this hazard. As you doubtless know, the escape strategy is counterintuitive. I contrast this with the programme of rip-tide training in, for example, Australia, where 3-year-olds are taught the lifesaving strategy as part of basic swim training.
Dr John Wilson, London

PURE GOLD
One of our readers has pointed out that the article The Night of the Nafsiporos Rescue in last issue of the Lifeboat magazine featured a photograph of Gold Medallist and former Moelfre Coxswain Dic Evans, but not former RNLI Inspector and Lieutenant Commander Harold Harvey, who also received a Gold Medal for Gallantry following the rescue. So above is a picture of the two brave men in London, on the day that they received their medals at the 1967 AGM. Harold is on the right.

(To view diagram click 'View original article')

To find out more about how to escape a rip current, go to RNLI.org/RipCurrents. Plus if you’re an Offshore member, turn to p12 of Offshore in the middle of your Lifeboat magazine.

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