A MAN who had a heart attack on a beach has thanked the lifeguards that saved his life.

Gilberto Rodrigues dos Santos went into cardiac arrest on Eastbourne beach on Sunday, September 5.

Four lifeguards rushed to the aid of the 62-year-old and a defibrillator was used to resuscitate him.

A fifth lifeguard also liaised with emergency services from the lifeguard station.

Mr Rodrigues dos Santos, who has since recovered, has thanked the efforts of the lifeguards and said he was grateful to have a defibrillator machine nearby.

The Argus: Gilberto Rodrigues dos Santos went into cardiac arrest on Eastbourne beach on Sunday, September 5Gilberto Rodrigues dos Santos went into cardiac arrest on Eastbourne beach on Sunday, September 5

The defibrillator, which is located on the side of the lifeguards’ station near the Wish Tower slopes, is funded by Eastbourne Borough Council.

The council lead member of tourism and culture councillor Margaret Bannister said she is delighted Mr Rodrigues dos Santos made a full recovery and highlighted the importance of defibrillator.

“This is down to the actions by our fantastic team of extremely capable and professional lifeguards who performed the lifesaving procedures they had been trained to do without any hesitation,” she said.

“This is further testimony that visitors to Eastbourne seafront can rest assured that they are being taken care of.”

Eastbourne Borough Council runs a seasonal lifeguard service from May 1 to September 30 - with trained staff primarily made up of firefighters, teachers and university students.

During the 2021 season, the lifeguards have assisted or rescued 25 people in 18 different incidents.

The rescues have included tired swimmers and swimmers being forced into groynes by rough waves, as well as trips and falls.

The lifeguards have also provided minor first aid to more than 100 people this year and given safety advice to thousands, mainly around the safest areas to swim, sun safety and discouraging swimming during rough seas.

Eastbourne lifeguards also run Tyro Lifeguard lessons for those aged eight to 14 for three days a week throughout August.

The lessons teach water and sun safety, first aid and CPR, as well as rescue skills, radio communication and flag signalling.

The council advise visitors to Eastbourne beach to swim in view of the lifeguards located near the Wish Tower and ask for tips and information on local hazards before getting in the water.

Additional defibrillators are located at Holywell, on the lower promenade by Eastbourne, at Helen Gardens and at Eastbourne voluntary lifeguards clubhouse on Fisherman’s Green.