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Troubled swimmers in Borth leads to life saving RNLI rescue

Lifeboats News Release

At 5:30pm on Saturday 11 June, RNLI lifeguards at Borth beach in Ceredigion rescue two swimmers who were spotted in difficulty.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

Lifeguards carrying out their daily safety patrols.

The lifeguards of Borth beach were carrying out their daily safety patrols when they spotted the pair in their early 20s who drifted out of the flags due to a flash rip current.

The charities lifeguard James Cowan first spotted the pair and used his specialist training to paddle over the big waves on his rescue board, arriving to the casualties in minutes. Second lifeguard Jack Rees swam over with a rescue tube as the lifeguards worked together to assist both casualties back to shore.

The casualties once back on shore were taken to the lifeguard unit where they were assessed, provided oxygen and were reassured by both lifeguards.

The swimmers who were rescued mentioned to the lifeguards once back on shore how she had remembered the charity’s Float to Live campaign.

James Cowan, RNLI lifeguard said: ‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety’.

The swimmers were within the flags and did the right thing by visiting an RNLI lifeguarded beach.


Notes to editors

· Lifeguards at Borth beach have been patrolling since the 28 May 2022 and will be there until the 4 September 2022

· Lifeguards at Aber North, Aber South, New Quay, Tresaith and Aberporth will be back patrolling on the 18 June 2022 and will be there until the 4 September 2022

· Photo Credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams

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For more information contact Scott Dixon, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on 07890 066217 or email [email protected]. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390 / [email protected].

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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