Portstewart rescue: Surfer tells of role in saving woman from sea

When asked if his surfing knowledge helped in the situation he was faced with, Mr McAleese replied “without a doubt”.

“Myself and my friends know every rock and current,” he said.

“It was a scenario where the right person was there at the right time.”

Police said they received a report of two young females who found themselves in difficulty in sea water near Portstewart Strand.

“On arrival of local officers, both women had been taken out of the water by a man who assisted their safe recovery to shore,” a Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson added.

“Our partner agencies also attended to ensure a successful rescue of both individuals.”

A bystander who contacted BBC News NI said they had “never seen such bravery”.

“Once the situation was resolved, Daniel was quite shaken, but until everyone was safe he acted with such clarity and decisiveness,” they said.

Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team said that a team went to the scene after reports of people in difficulty, swimming off rocks at Portstewart Strand.

“Passers by had called the Coastguard and then used council provided throwlines and floats to reach two swimmers. One person entered the water to assist the swimmers ashore,” the coastguard said.

By then, coastguards and police were on scene.

They medically assessed the swimmers who had suffered minor injuries from the rocks and did not require hospital treatment.

Medical and safety advice was given.

“The quick thinking and brave actions of members of the public undoubtedly helped in the saving of two lives,” the coastguard added.