The 15-year-old became trapped underwater at a flyboarding demonstration on Conwy River
A teenage girl had a ‘lucky’ escape today after she became trapped underwater during a flyboarding demonstration on Conwy River.
The incident occurred on the final day of the All Wales Boat Show, where the demonstrations were part of a celebration of all water sports.
A Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) spokesman said the 15-year-old girl had become trapped underwater between a personal watercraft,
a buoy and the flyboard. She had been underwater in excess of five
minutes.
The RNLI inshore lifeboat from Conwy was launched at 12.05pm. On arrival at the scene the lifeboat crew found that the
casualty had been taken ashore and was being given first aid by the
British Red Cross.
The lifeboat crew assisted the first aid team. A doctor who was in
the vicinity gave the casualty CPR and was able to bring her round after
approximately 45 minutes.
Due to the nature of the incident, 22 Squadron Air Sea Rescue mobilised
a Sea King helicopter and conveyed the casualty to Ysbyty Gwynedd at
Bangor.
A Conwy Quays Marina spokesman said the girl was ‘recovering well’.
He said: ‘She’s now sat up in bed and talking, and doesn’t seem to be any worse for wear.
‘There had been some concern about potential damage to her lungs but that’s no longer thought to be a problem.
‘She’s been very lucky.’
Aside from today’s rescue drama, the three-day All Wales Boat Show exceeded organisers’ expectations – attracting greater crowds than last year’s inaugural relaunched event.
Many Twitter users reported having a ‘fab time’ and ‘awesome displays’ using the hashtag allwalesboatshow.
The marina spokesman added: ‘We’ve exceeded expectations set by last year.’
Picture: Flyboarding at the All Wales Boat Show. Credit: Twitter/@ribster13.
The Conwy River rescue. Credit: Twitter/@OakwoodTree