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Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat responds to people cut off by the tide

Lifeboats News Release

Barry Dock’s inshore lifeboat was tasked to reports of four people in difficulty after becoming cut off by the tide.

On Tuesday 5 September at 11.20am, Barry Dock RNLI volunteers were paged to reports of four people struggling in the water west of Font-y-gary. The inshore lifeboat crew launched and made their way to the scene.

On arrival, it became apparent that a larger group than anticipated had been cut off by the tide. As the inshore lifeboat arrived, the volunteer crew spotted two people in the water. Two members of Rhoose Lifeguards Surf Life Saving Club were training nearby and were able to use their skills to safely transport the casualties on rescue boards back to shore, and one who required further care over to the lifeboat.

The lifeboat crew assessed the casualty onboard the lifeboat and provided the required casualty care. The volunteers then made their way back to shore and handed the casualty over to Barry Coastguard team and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

There were still multiple people cut off by the tide who were not in any danger due to the improving conditions. The lifeboat crew advised the group to stay where they were until the tide dropped enough to safely cross.

A spokesperson from Barry Dock RNLI said:

‘Luckily, Rhoose lifeguards from a local surf lifesaving club were training in the area at the time and were able to use their lifesaving skills to assist those in difficulty the water as we made our way to the scene. The casualties are very lucky that they happened to be training in the area and were able to respond so quickly and effectively.

‘Barry Dock lifeboat station regularly respond to people who have been cut off by the tide. Please remember to check the tides before you go to the coast. Be aware of your surroundings, the direction of the tide can change quickly and catch you out.

‘If you do unexpectedly get into trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live. Lie on your back, preserve your energy and then shout for help.’

RNLI Float to live advice:

· Tilt your head back with ears submerged

· Relax and try to control your breathing

· Move your hands to help you stay afloat

· Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety

· In an emergency call 999 or 112– if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement on 07890066217 or [email protected] or alternatively the Press Office on 01202336789 or [email protected]

Notes to editors

More information on how to Float to Live: https://rnli.org/safety/float

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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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 enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.