LIFEGUARDS assisted a woman who became unwell at a west Dorset beach - before she was airlifted for treatment.

At around 5.30pm on Monday, July 18, a 63-year-old woman was taken ill on Lyme Regis beach.

A member of the public called for an ambulance and alerted the RNLI lifeguards to the woman’s condition.

RNLI lifeguard Matthew Southcott, who is in his first year of lifeguarding, was first on the scene and administered major first aid for the first time to the woman, while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

A spokesman from South Western Ambulance Service Trust, said: “We were called to treat a 63-year-old female casualty with breathing difficulties.

“The air ambulance was also called and they took her into Dorset County Hospital for treatment.”

Senior lifeguard Luke King worked with the coastguard team to help the air ambulance land in order for it to take the casualty to hospital.

Mr King said: “‘For anyone visiting the beach we always recommend choosing a life-guarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

“All of the RNLI lifeguards are trained in casualty care and are happy to offer safety advice if you want to come over and speak to us.”