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Llandudno inshore lifeboat launches to check the safety of open water swimmers

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno’s D Class Lifeboat Dr Barbara Saunderson launched at 4.39 pm Sunday afternoon at the request of HM Coastguard. They were asked to locate and assess the welfare of three swimmers in open water close to the old lighthouse on the Great Orme.

RNLI/Llandudno

Llandudno D Class Lifeboat on service 24th July 2022
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The three swimmers who were in wet suits informed the lifeboat crew that they did not need assistance and were coasteering their way back to the nearest beach.The crew decided in consultation with the coastguard to remain on scene until the group had made their way to a safe location where safety advice was offered by the local coastguard team.

A spokesperson from Llandudno Lifeboat Station explained, ‘The RNLI has comprehensive safety advice so you can find the information you need to make the most out of your time at the coast. Whether you're going to the beach, exploring the coast, or venturing out onto the water, we have the sea safety advice to help you stay safe.’

Additionally, the RNLI website advises when open water swimming always arrange to go with a buddy. Open water swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It’s also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They’ll be able to call for help if you are overdue back.

Have the right equipment, wear a wetsuit. It’ll help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer. Wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and take a tow float with you when swimming or dipping. These will help you to be seen in the water and a tow float can act as extra buoyancy if you need it. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim. It is important to warm yourself up carefully.

If considering coasteering activities the RNLI advises only taking part in coasteering as part of a group, which has:

Professionally trained staff (both technical and water safety based)

Adequate insurance cover

Safety equipment (helmets, wetsuits etc)

Emergency evacuation / accident procedures

Pre-defined routes and notify the local HM Coastguard so that they also know what you plan to do.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Claire Elshaw RNLI Media Officer on 07468 353082


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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.

About the author

Jonathan Coe
Lifeboat Press Officer, Llandudno Lifeboat Station

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