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Dramatic footage shows the moment a swimmer was rescued from 'treacherous' waves at night after being repeatedly thrashed against the sea wall.
The rescue mission was launched when the solo swimmer, who was not wearing a wetsuit and had no floatation aids, was seen in a distressed state and unable to get back to shore at St Ouen's Bay in Jersey on Sunday night.
A video shows the man and two Jersey Fire and Rescue Service staff being thrashed against the sea wall repeatedly by the large waves.
The swimmer and one of the firefighters were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
Jersey Fire and Rescue, who shared the video on their Facebook page, say the swimmer was advised to stay beyond the breaking waves to avoid injury while Jersey Coastguard called out the RNLI’s and Jersey Fire and Rescue Service’s inshore boats.
Dramatic footage shows the moment a swimmer was rescued from 'treacherous' waves
The sea conditions were too rough for the JFRS inshore rescue boat to launch, so rescue swimmers were sent out, with the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat and inshore rib near on standby.
The rescue swimmers managed to get hold of the casualty who was approximately 25 meters out from the shore.
After several attempts in treacherous conditions, rescuers brought them to shore.
The casualty and swimmer were then provided with immediate medical attention by waiting paramedics and taken to hospital.
Jersey Coastguard Watch Officer, Ford Ramsden, said: 'This was a difficult rescue, in the dark, at high tide, with rough sea conditions and waves breaking against the sea wall.
'We would advise people never to go swimming late in the evening, as this endangers not only the swimmers themselves, but also the emergency services who are called out to rescue them.
'The outcome last night was positive, but it could easily have gone the other way.'
The rescue swimmers managed to get hold of the casualty who was approximately 25 meters out from the shore
The casualty and swimmer were then provided with immediate medical attention by waiting paramedics and taken to hospital
Ryan Hall, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander, added: 'Due to the significant swell and high tidal state, conditions were untenable for us to launch our inshore rescue boat, therefore trained rescue swimmers were deployed to enter the water by steps some 100 metres away from the casualty.
'The rescue swimmer then had to transverse along the shoreline wall while being hit by the waves making access treacherous.
'Once contact was made with the casualty, a second rescuer was deployed to assist efforts.
'Worsening sea conditions made the rescue more challenging, as they were continuously being picked up by waves and thrown up against the sea wall.
'Despite very dangerous circumstances, once on the scene our rescuers demonstrated their bravery, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community and I commend them.
'We would also like to thank the members of public who gave their assistance under the supervision of firefighters to manage rescue ropes.'
