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Busy weekend for Swansea RNLI lifeguards

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI beach lifeguards in Swansea were kept busy as thousands of people flocked to the Welsh coast to enjoy the sunshine.

RNLI/Anya Walton

Langland Bay

The weekend (10–11 August), saw thousands of people headed to the Welsh coastline to enjoy soaring temperatures.

The RNLI strongly advises those visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach. The warm weekend saw lifeguards deal with multiple incidents due to the sheer volume of people at the beaches combined with offshore winds.

RNLI lifeguards patrolling at Aberavon beach, decided to launch the RWC (Rescue Water Craft) to patrol as the number of beach users increased and the offshore wind became more powerful.

Shortly after launching, the lifeguards spotted five youngsters on two inflatable paddleboards that were drifting out to sea. They had entered the water at Little Beach, east of Aberavon. They luckily came into the lifeguards’ line of sight as they passed the breakwater.

When the RWC reached the group, they explained they were about to call 999 using a mobile phone they were carrying in a waterproof case. They were safely returned to shore.

Later on, another group of five adults were out of their depths swimming and with a stand-up paddleboard. They required assistance from the RWC to return to shore.

A further four people using inflatable stand up paddleboards were assisted by the RWC. Two of whom had ditched the inflatable and started attempting to swim back to shore.

Tom John RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said:

‘It was great to see so many people at the beaches enjoying the sunshine. We want everyone to have fun, but to do so safely.

‘When we fly the orange windsock, we strongly advise against taking inflatables of any kind in the water. Inflatables are very light and can quickly be blown out to sea. Whether it’s a paddleboard, kayak, dinghy or unicorn, they’re best saved for the swimming pool.

‘There were hundreds of people on our beaches at the weekend, which makes it impossible to speak to every individual. If you’re ever in doubt about whether it’s safe to take your inflatable in the sea, please approach a lifeguard. We’re always happy to help.

‘Remember, if you are heading out on a kayak or paddleboard, to always carry a means of contact in a waterproof pouch. It could save your life.

‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.

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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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.

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