Prestatyn RNLI Lifeguards assist multiple children in difficulty in the water
RNLI lifeguards at Prestatyn were alerted by the Coastguard to reports of five children in difficulty in the water shortly before 1pm on Wednesday (14 July). This comes after statistics released by the RNLI this morning show that RNLI lifeguards across Wales rescued 1603 children last summer.
Ahead of what is expected to be a busy weekend with hot weather kicking off the busy summer holiday season, RNLI lifeguards at Prestatyn were requested to respond to reports of multiple children in difficulty in the water about 200m beyond the patrolled area. Upon arriving at the scene, the lifeguards discovered that five children and two adults had gotten into trouble in the water and were having difficulty getting to shore.
Working in conjunction with the Flint Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI lifeguards assisted the casualties out of the water and safely up the beach, where they then conducted a medical assessment and provided casualty care. The casualties were then handed over to paramedics and transported to hospital for further treatment.
This incident comes as new figures released show that RNLI lifeguards across Wales aided 888 children and 715 teenagers last year. With hot weather expected this weekend and the school holidays fast approaching, the charity and HM Coastguard are calling for families to take care at the coast this summer.
RNLI Water Safety Lead Chris Cousens said:
‘We see a big increase in the number of incidents in the sea involving children and teenagers during the school summer holidays and we would urge everyone – but families in particular – to be aware of the risks and know what to do in an emergency.
‘Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 245 beaches this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.
‘Children should be supervised at all times and people of all ages should avoid swimming alone.
‘We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency.’
The key summer safety advice is:
Visit a lifeguarded beach & swim between the red and yellow flags
If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about
Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Maddy Wright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Wales and the North West on or Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Media Manager in Wales and the North West on 07786 668829 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 143,000 lives.
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiriesMembers of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.
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.