Μake us preferred on Google Lifeguard Paraskevi Tsakou rescued a 16-year-old French tourist who suffered neck and spinal injuries after diving from a pier at Vari Beach on the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday afternoon, according to public broadcaster ERT.
Tsakou said she was alerted by other children at the beach, who signaled for her help.
“Some children signaled for me to come and help, so I left with my rescue board to approach the girl,” she said.
When she reached the teenager, Tsakou realized she had suffered a serious injury but did not know the extent of her injuries. She therefore made keeping the girl immobilized her priority to prevent her condition from worsening.
With the assistance of other swimmers, the 16-year-old was carefully placed on the rescue board. Tsakou then towed her safely to shore.
A doctor who was among those at the beach assessed the teenager and said she had likely suffered a vertebral fracture or compression.
Tsakou said she has not yet had the opportunity to see the young tourist again but expressed hope that her condition is improving.
The incident occurred shortly before the end of Tsakou’s shift, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lifeguard stresses role of parents
Tsakou also stressed the importance of parents supervising children at the beach, noting that lifeguards may have to monitor large numbers of swimmers at the same time.
“There can be 100 or even 200 people in the water. I am at the beach for eight hours. Because we see various incidents happening, parents have the primary role, and then we lifeguards,” she said.
