Mass rescue and three lives saved by Swansea RNLI Lifeguards in busy period

Over the Bank Holiday weekend and May half term, Swansea RNLI beach lifeguards saved three lives, rescued seven people and assisted many more individuals in difficulty.

On the afternoon of Monday 25 May, RNLI lifeguards at Three Cliffs Bay responded to a rapidly escalating mass rescue, as a powerful rip current pulled multiple beachgoers into difficulty. It was one of several serious incidents across the Swansea coastline during a half-term week that brought large crowds to the beach in hot, sunny conditions.

Lifeguard Morgan Burgess spotted two young children being carried out by the rip. A young boy was struggling to stay above water; a girl could not make it back to shore. Morgan entered the water with a rescue tube, clipped the boy in and towed both children back to safety. Within moments, the situation grew more serious.

Lifeguard Rhys Sabine had already spotted more adults in difficulty further out. He paddled a rescue board into the rip, reaching an adult man and woman and got them aboard. Rhys then signalled urgently for backup as more people were still in difficulty in the water. Lifeguard Riley Jones entered the water with a rescue tube and Morgan went back in with a board.

As the team pushed further out, Rhys saw a man going under. He left his board with the casualties already on it and swam to the man, pulling him to the surface. At the same moment, Riley reached a woman and young girl, holding them up with a rescue tube. Morgan arrived with the board and the team worked together to bring everyone in. All casualties were returned to shore safely.

On the beach, one adult male required ongoing care and was given oxygen while an ambulance was on its way. After assessment, he was discharged into the care of a family member and the emergency services stood down.

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said:

‘The rescue was part of a demanding half-term period for lifeguard teams across the Swansea region, with sustained call outs across multiple beaches throughout the week.

‘The team's swift and coordinated response meant that everyone who entered the water that afternoon made it home safely.’

On Aberavon Beach lifeguards assisted with a fracture, providing casualty care. Throughout the lifeguards also dealt with multiple missing children with support from the Coastguard, Port Talbot Lifeboat and Police.

On Tuesday 26 May at Langland Beach, RNLI lifeguards had five assists on a rescue board, mainly to children becoming out of their depth. With beach numbers still high throughout the day, lifeguards dealt with two missing persons with assistance from the Coastguard and Police.

While the air temperature can become warm at this time of year, the sea is still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk.

If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float To Live: