RNLI lifeguards save life in dramatic end-of-season rescue at Freshwater West

On the final weekend of full-time lifeguard patrols in Wales, Freshwater West RNLI lifeguards saved a life in a dramatic incident and came to the aid of three other people in difficulty in the water.

On Saturday 5 September at around 1.15pm, Lifeguards Jed and Fin were at the water's edge when they spotted a father and son in difficulty, being swept out to sea in a rip current. Jed and Fin quickly grabbed rescue boards and ran into the water, paddling out to the two casualties.

Fin reached the son and got him onto his rescue board to bring him back to shore. Meanwhile, Senior Beach Lifeguard Oly and off-duty Lifeguard Willem – who was down at the beach at the time, launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) to assist due to the large swell and challenging conditions.

After the father and son were safely back to shore, Oly went back out on the RWC to assist a kayaker who was in the water next to their upturned kayak, approximately 200m south of the red and yellow flagged swim zone. When Oly arrived on scene, he found another person who was with the kayaker.

This second person had been spearfishing and was entangled in their spear line that had become caught in a reef underwater. The line was wrapped around their wrist and pulling them under the surface. The casualty was in serious distress, barely able to gasp for air as incoming waves continually submerged them underwater.

Lifeguard Oly acted quickly in this critical situation, he made the decision to safely dismount the RWC and enter the water. Using the blunt-ended knife carried onboard (RNLI RWC carry a blunt-ended knife to help in incidents involving fishing or kite lines), Oly went underwater and cut the line free.

Following their release, Oly assisted the casualty onto the sled of the RWC and brought them quickly ashore, handing them into the care of Lifeguard Jed for further casualty care. Oly then went back out with Lifeguard Fin on the RWC sled, to assist the kayaker and bring them safely back to shore.

Carl Amos, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

'This was a remarkable team effort and a fitting example of the professionalism, skill and dedication shown by our lifeguards throughout the 2026 season. Conditions at Freshwater West can be challenging, with large surf, strong rip currents and powerful waves creating significant hazards for water users.

'Our lifeguards responded to multiple incidents in quick succession, helping four people and preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. In particular, the actions of Senior Beach Lifeguard Oly, who acted decisively to free and rescue a casualty in serious distress, demonstrate the level of training and commitment our teams bring to keeping beachgoers safe.

'As we’ve now come to the end of another busy summer season in Wales, we'd like to remind people that most of our beaches are no longer lifeguarded full time. If you're heading to the coast, always check local conditions, be aware of the risks and avoid entering the water alone.

'If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live.'

The RNLI's Float to Live advice is:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It's OK if your legs sink, everyone floats differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

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For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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