Blankenberg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A girl had an epileptic seizure on July 21, 2025, at 10:56 AM in the water at Blankenberge beach. Lifeguard Tom Cocle, 25 meters away, rescued her. She was taken to Bruges Hospital.
As VRT News reported, an incident happened at Blankenberge, a coastal city in the province in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, beach around 10:56 AM on July 21, 2025. A young girl had an epileptic seizure while in the water.
According to Tom Cocle, the chief rescuer, she had only gotten her knees in the sea when she had her seizure. The seizure made her fall forward. Tom said this was dangerous because even a little bit of water for a person who is unable to move or unconscious can be dangerous.
What helped save the girl with a seizure in Blankenberge?
The seizure occurred in a safe part of the beach. A lifeguard was nearby, only 25 meters away, and he witnessed the girl. The lifeguard was able to support her action immediately, as he pulled her from the water. Officials said it was extremely important to highlight the lifeguards’ training and their immediate response, because they had not been there to help her.
The girl was with a friend when it happened. Emergency services were called right away, and a special medical helicopter came quickly. The girl got medical care very fast. After getting first aid on the beach, the girl was taken to a hospital in Bruges for more tests.
Physicians will examine her lungs to determine if she inhaled water, which would present further complications. She will be hospitalised under close observation to ensure no problems emerge from the seizure or from being in the water.
