Leeds family to meet RNLI rescuers after children saved from drowning in Blackpool
Mum shares dramatic experience to raise awareness ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day
Zully, a mother from Leeds, is preparing to meet the RNLI crew who saved her son and nephew from near-drowning in Blackpool. The incident, which occurred on 28th May, led Zully to urge other parents to be vigilant while at the coast this summer.
The traumatic experience unfolded when Zully's son Subby, aged 10, and nephew Kizza, aged 12, were caught in rising tides and clung to pier stanchions for safety.
Interviews with the family and the RNLI crew will take place at Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station on Thursday, 23rd July at 12.45 pm, ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July.
Zully recounts how she frantically tried to reach the boys against the strong tide, fearing the worst as her son's head disappeared beneath the water.
In dramatic scenes captured by the RNLI, Ted, her 21-year-old nephew, also tried to reach the boys and is seen clinging onto the pier.
Zully said, “The tide started to come in quickly and I could see the boys in the distance, they were stuck and the water was rising rapidly... Ted turned to me and said: ‘Zully, get out, they’re too far out’."
A 999 call was made, prompting the Coastguard to request the RNLI lifeboat's launch, marking the crew's 11th operation within a week.
RNLI's D-class inshore lifeboat was on the scene within four minutes, swiftly rescuing Subby and Kizza alongside the pier stanchions. With Ted positioned higher up, a second lifeboat completed his rescue.
Since the incident, Zully has been working with the RNLI to promote awareness about coastal dangers. She reflects, “When I saw Subby coming in on that lifeboat and being carried away, it was like a miracle. I thought he’d gone."
Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, the RNLI encourages everyone to "Find Your Float", a key lifesaving skill. Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead, emphasises, "Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic... remember to float."
The RNLI's 'Float to Live' advice includes tilting your head back, relaxing to breathe normally, moving limbs for buoyancy, and practising floating in a safe environment.
For more information on float events, visit the RNLI website.
Zully added, “The sea can be evil, it doesn’t care who you are it just takes you... Without the RNLI, I would have lost him."
As schools break for summer, the RNLI remains dedicated to ensuring coastal safety, relying on the support of volunteers and public donations to achieve this.
For more details, contact RNLI Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush, or visit the RNLI website.