Sea rescue boy Ravi thanks Scarborough RNLI crew who saved his life - they praise him as an 'inspiration' as he survived hour in water

The 10-year-old boy who was swept out to sea in Scarborough's South Bay has met those who helped rescue him.
Ravi Saini, 10, from Leeds, during a visit to Scarborough lifeboat stationRavi Saini, 10, from Leeds, during a visit to Scarborough lifeboat station
Ravi Saini, 10, from Leeds, during a visit to Scarborough lifeboat station

Ravi Saini, from Leeds, visited the town's lifeboat station to thank them after they rescued him.

He told the crew he was moments away from dying when he was found near Vincent Pier after being swept across the bay from the Spa.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lifeboat crews believe Ravi' life was saved by his use of the Float To Live technique he learned watching TV programmes about ocean rescues.

Ravi told the RNLI team that pulled him from the water that they gave him "a second chance to live" when he visited Scarborough lifeboat station.

The crew told the youngster he was "an inspiration" as they presented him with gifts and showed him round the base.

Since appearing on The Scarborough News, Ravi's experience has featured in national and local newspapers across the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has also featured on the BBC, ITV and Sky News and local and national radio.

Ravi got into difficulties and, after his father tried and failed to reach him, he was swept along the entire length of the South Bay by the wind and tide.

His father told The Scarborough News last week of the incredible events.

Nathu, a chef, saw his son Ravi in the sea and called to him to come back to shore.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When it became clear Ravi could not make it, Nathu waded in but was beaten back by the strength of the tide.

“At this point we were near the Spa complex,” he said. “When I couldn’t get to Ravi I ran from the Spa along the seafront to the coastguard and so many people came to help me.

“The coastguard told me not to worry and that they would do everything they could to find him, including sending up a drone and helicopter.

“That gave me confidence that Ravi would be okay,” he said.

The incident happened while Ravi and his family from Leeds were enjoying a day out at the beach.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scarborough Coastguard Rescue Team, a Coastguard helicopter, Scarborough RNLI’s inshore lifeboat and Scarborough Police were involved in the rescue.

Ravi told his rescuers he survived by following advice he had seen on the BBC documentary Saving Lives at Sea.

He adopted the position recommended by the RNLI for anyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water– floating on the back with arms and legs spread out.

The RNLI and Coastguard both praised the boy’s courage and presence of mind for surviving in the chilly sea.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scarborough RNLI coxswain Lee Marton said: “We were told that he’d been watching lifeboat rescues on the BBC documentary Saving Lives at Sea and had followed the advice given on the show.

“We’re very much in awe of this incredible lad, who managed to remain calm and follow safety advice to the letter in terrifying and stressful circumstances.

“Had he not, the outcome might have been very different.”

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Jean MacQuarrie

Editor-in-Chief