Donate now

New Quay RNLI tasked to inflatable blown out to sea

Lifeboats News Release

On Thursday 25 July at 6.14pm the inshore lifeboat, Audrey LJ was tasked by the Coastguard following reports of an inflatable being blown out to sea off Traeth y Dolau, in New Quay.

RNLI/Kate Williams

Stock image of New Quay RNLI's D-class lifeboat, Audrey LJ lauching on service

With three volunteer crew members on board, the lifeboat crew quickly located the inflatable and began searching for persons in the water.

Pete Yates, helm of the lifeboat said, “Our priority was to establish whether there was anyone in the water so we conducted a search pattern from Target Rock back to Dolau beach. Fortunately, on this occasion, the occupants were found safe and well on the beach.”

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added, “Blow-up toys and airbeds can easily be swept out to sea. If you do use them at the beach, we recommend that they’re used only very near to the shore and only between the red and yellow flags on life-guarded beaches.

“Never take inflatables out in big waves, and never use them when the orange windsock is flying as this indicates offshore winds, which will blow inflatables further out to sea. If you do get into difficulty, stay with your inflatable as it will keep you above the water. Take a look at the RNLI’s advice and tips to help you have fun and stay safe at the beach: https://rnli.org/safety

Notes to editors

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Kate Williams, New Quay Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or 07786 550054. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390.

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.

Categories