Teamwork between multiple agencies rescue person in the sea
Rhyl RNLI volunteers in the inshore lifeboat were instrumental in rescuing a man who had entered the water off Pensarn, and was about 150 metres out, fully clothed.
The initial report at 4.50pm on Wednesday 11 July, to the lifeboat crew from UK coastguard at Holyhead, reported the man had disappeared from the view of police officers on the shore, and local volunteer coastguard officers were also paged to attend. The coastguard rescue helicopter from Caernarvon was also tasked.
Directions from police on shore directed the lifeboat crew, who located the man struggling to swim in the cold water. He was taken on board the lifeboat and the volunteers took him back to shore as the helicopter landed nearby.
The partner of the man had come to the boat, and was informed the tide was coming in around her, so she also was taken on board the lifeboat to another safe landing place.
The helicopter and ambulance paramedics, together with coastguards assured the man was given the best care, and together the agencies agreed the best way to get the man to hospital was by helicopter. He was winched up from the lifeboat, and the lady was taken to hospital by road ambulance.
Once both casualties were on their way to hospital, the lifeboat returned to station, to be ready for service at 6.50pm.
Paul Frost, duty Coxswain at Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station says ' The many hours of training by the charity's volunteer crew really paid off tonight. Their casualty care and quick return of the man to shore probably ensured he received the best attention, enabling a swift transfer to hospital'.
He continued ' all the agencies today worked well together to ensure a good outcome'
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.