Bangor RNLI Rescues Swimmer in Challenging Multi-Agency Operation off Groomsport Beach
- Robert Stone
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Thursday 28 May 2026
Bangor RNLI rescued a swimmer this morning (Thursday 28 May) following a challenging multi-agency operation off Groomsport Beach in County Down after the casualty got into difficulty in rough sea conditions and was believed to have been in the water for up to two hours.
The volunteer crew were requested by Belfast Coastguard to launch Bangor RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat shortly after 7am after a member of the public spotted the swimmer in distress and raised the alarm.
Helmed by Pete Semple, the lifeboat crew of Gavin Mitchell, Andrew Gedge and Jonny Gedge, launched immediately and made their way to the scene amid a north-easterly Force 4 wind, large breaking waves and a significant swell.
Bangor Coastguard’s shore unit was also tasked to the incident and arrived on scene first. As the lifeboat approached, Coastguard personnel requested assistance closer to shore due to the hazardous position of the casualty at the rear of Groomsport Harbour wall.
Following an assessment of the conditions, the RNLI crew determined that the combination of heavy swell and a boulder-strewn seabed made direct access extremely difficult. With time considered critical, crew member Gavin Mitchell entered the water to assist a Bangor Coastguard team member who had already begun making their way down from the harbour wall and into the sea to reach the casualty.
The swimmer was found trapped between a large boulder and the harbour wall and was reportedly suffering from extreme cold, exhaustion and weakness.
Working together in challenging conditions, the RNLI and Coastguard personnel assessed the safest extraction method before deciding to use a rescue sled to move the casualty from the rear of the wall to the beach. The operation was made more difficult by the large boulders and breaking waves and required the assistance of the wider Bangor Coastguard shore team.
Once ashore, casualty care was administered before the swimmer was transferred into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Speaking following the incident, Bangor RNLI crew member Gavin Mitchell praised the teamwork involved in the rescue operation.
“We want to wish the swimmer a speedy recovery following their ordeal this morning,” he said. “This was a challenging call out given the location of the casualty, the breaking waves and the casualty’s condition at the time.
“We want to commend the member of public who raised the alarm as time was certainly of the essence and we want to thank our colleagues particularly those in Bangor Coastguard for their efforts – the teamwork from decision making to extraction was important under pressure and well executed. This was a fine example of multi-agency collaboration.”
The RNLI has also issued a seasonal water safety reminder ahead of the summer months, urging swimmers not to enter the water alone where possible, to carry a means of communication in a waterproof pouch, and to wear a brightly coloured swim cap.
The charity is also reminding anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in the water to practise the “Float to Live” technique by tilting the head back, relaxing and controlling breathing while using hands to stay afloat before calling or signalling for help.
Members of the public who spot someone in trouble at the coast are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
