Float to Live helps save man at Mumbles Lighthouse

On Sunday (11 August) as a sunny weekend drew to a close, off-duty RNLI crew member Bob Morgan noticed somebody stuck on the Lighthouse island (the outer of two islands off Mumbles Head). Sensing something was about to happen, Bob alerted the rest of the station crew by sending them a WhatsApp.

Bob saw the man walked down the steps and entered the water. First he waded, then he swam, then he disappeared from sight. The tidal range in the area is considered a megatidal environment and is the second highest in the world, and constricted to a narrow channel between the outer and middle islands where the man had entered the water, it took only seconds to sweep him out to sea.

Luckily he remembered watching an RNLI 'Float to Live' video online. He leant back, put his ears in the water, stretched out his arms and waited for help.

By this time, the volunteer crew had mustered and the Mumbles RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) was launched. Working out the drift, Helm of the Mumbles ILB headed to the east of the lighthouse. Within minutes they had spotted the casualty, recovered him onto the lifeboat and carried out an initial casualty care assessment whilst he was brought safely ashore.

In the lifeboat station, the lifeboat crew along with members of HM Coastguard did a more thorough medical assessment and the casualty was discharged.

Lifeboat Helm, Jack Cawsey-Williams said:

'The whole incident lasted only minutes and by remembering the RNLI's lifesaving advice, the casualty was able to return home to his family. Upon arrival, the casualty was using the 'Float to Live' technique, buying us the precious time needed to reach him.

'It’s a powerful reminder that staying calm and implementing the Float technique can make all the difference between life and death.'

Crew Member, Bob Morgan - who'd initially spotted the casualty said:

'We are frequently called to the islands off Mumbles Head. This shout highlights how strong the tidal flow and currents can be.

'I would encourage everyone to check the tide times before heading in the water, and always carry a means of calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty remember Float to Live, then when you are able to - call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

RNLI Media contact
For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert [email protected] or 07717 793890.

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI Press Office at 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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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 142,700 lives.

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