Two callouts for Borth RNLI lifeboat on a sunny Bank-Holiday Monday.

The Borth RNLI lifeboat volunteers were called out at 10:15 in the morning to a report that two young boys were drifting out to sea in an inflatable dinghy. The boys had been playing on the sea near Borth lifeboat station. The wind was blowing them out to sea so the lifeboat launched and proceeded as quickly as possible. Upon arrival they discovered that one of the boys had swam back to shore and was safe with his family whilst the other was still in the dinghy, The volunteer crew quickly found him and brought him ashore to be greeted by his family,

As the boy was unharmed the crew left him with his family along with some advice about using inflatables when there is an off-shore wind. The lifeboat then returned to station.

Then at 11:30 a.m. the crew were alerted again, this time to a report that two swimmers, an elderly woman and a middle-aged man, were in difficulty near the camels hump off Borth Head. It was reported that the swimmers had been in the sea for an hour and were struggling to return to Borth Beach, Another swimmer had stayed with them for 20 minutes and had been able to provide them with a swim buoy to help them whilst he went to get help. Two of the instructors from a local surf school saw the incident and went over on their Stand Up Paddleboards. The two surf instructors, who also happen to be lifeboat volunteers, were able to keep the swimmers afloat until the Borth lifeboat arrived.

Once the lifeboat arrived it became apparent that the two swimmers were too exhausted and cold to be able to climb aboard the lifeboat so the crew had to hoist them aboard. The swimmers were taken back to Borth lifeboat station where they were treated for the effects of the cold. Once they felt able they were given advice to attend hospital and also to ensure that they took action to warm themselves up. The two swimmers were extremely grateful for the assistance given.

Having completed two services with really good outcomes the crew returned home to enjoy the rest of the bank holiday with their families,

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.

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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.