New Quay RNLI launches twice during Easter holidays
Last week saw New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launch on service twice, firstly on Easter Sunday (17 April) to a report of a paddleboarder being blown offshore, and then on Wednesday 20 April in response to a report of a kayaker in trouble off New Quay beach.
Launching at 3.40pm on Wednesday 20 April with four volunteer crew members on board, New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Audrey LJ, was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard to search for a kayaker on one of New Quay’s beaches.
Brett Stones, New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat helm said, “We began on our search and found a kayaker on Traeth Gwyn who had been pulled from the water by a passer-by. His brand new kayak had suddenly developed a hole and had taken on water, it had then become unstable and capsized.
“He had been in the water for more than 10 minutes and was very cold as the water temperature in mid April is only around 9°C. We took the casualty back to the to the lifeboat station to warm him up and provide casualty care.”
“It shows how quickly a situation can change and how important it is to check your equipment before you go out on the water. In this instance, the casualty was very lucky that a passer-by had seen what was happening and gone in to help him ashore.”
Wednesday’s service also marked the first call-out for one of New Quay’s newest lifeboat volunteers, Gareth Hughes.
Two days earlier, on Easter Sunday, the inshore lifeboat launched at 2.15pm, with four volunteer crew members on board, to assist a paddleboarder who was being blown out to sea in a fresh offshore wind. Despite being blown out of New Quay harbour, the casualty was able to make their way back to Dolau beach as the lifeboat arrived.
Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager said, “These recent shouts demonstrate the importance of always telling someone where you are going and when you will be returning, checking the weather forecast and having the right equipment. Always wear a buoyancy aid, wear a wetsuit in cold water temperatures and always carry a means of calling for help – a mobile phone or a VHF radio. Remember, if you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
RNLI media contact
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.