132. Unwavering Commitment: Alex Barthe

He had a life-changing accident while surfing – but Alex’s RNLI training helped save his life

Working as a RNLI lifeguard in Scarborough, Alex was passionate about saving lives at sea and loved the water. But, on the 28 March 2013, while surfing on holiday in Argentina, he hit his head on the sea floor and was left face down in the water, unable to move his arms or legs.

He puts his survival down to two main factors: the man who first came to help him in the water – and his own RNLI training. He knew that he’d probably suffered a spinal injury and was able to instruct the people around him on what to do.

Alex, who suffered paralysis in most of his body, talks about how his vital lifesaving skills came into play that day. And about how now, as an office-based volunteer for the RNLI, his dedication to saving lives at sea continues today. 

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI's Isobel Noctor

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200