Two shouts in an hour for new Mumbles RNLI Helm

On Monday 29 July, the crew responded to a medical evacuation in Swansea Bay. A Casualty sustained a possible spinal injury on an RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and was evacuated onto Mumbles inshore lifeboat (ILB) slipway, where medical care was given by the lifeboat crew and the Mumbles Coastguard Rescue Team.

Within minutes of the shout, a second call came in for a mother and child in difficulty at Pier Beach. The crew immediately launched the ILB with Jack taking command and making best speed to the inner sound between Pier Beach and Middle Island. Upon arrival the child was spotted attempting to scramble to the rocks and was being supported by the Coastguards.

Jack maneuvered the ILB close to the rocks, allowing the crew to assist the child to safety. However, the job was not yet done. Speaking to the casualty, the mother was still in the water and had been taken out to sea by the strong current between the beach and the middle island.

Jack took the ILB out to the deep water off Limeslade Beach where the casualty would likely have drifted and started to execute a search.

Luckily, in the meantime, off-duty Coxswain James Rice was in his personal boat and had already spotted the mother in the water. Acting quickly, he plucked the casualty out of the water and handed her to the care of Mumbles ILB crew, who reunited the mother and child and took them safely ashore.

As an RNLI Helm, Jack is now a senior member of the volunteer crew. The role is far more than driving the lifeboat. He will not only take charge of the inshore lifeboat at sea but will also be responsible for the crew's safety and decision-making.

Jack said:

'Speaking with other senior members the first shout is always memorable and an experience of rescuing two people from the water was an incredible moment I’ll never forget. Looking forward to many more and a busy summer ahead.

'We are very grateful for the first informants who spotted the casualties. The tide moves extremely fast between the islands. Please be careful when entering the water and try to swim at Lifeguard patrolled beaches.'

Tim Conway, Lifeboat Operations Manager at the Mumbles Lifeboat Station said:

'The station is very proud of Jack. Qualifying as helm takes a considerable amount of effort and demonstrates his commitment to this voluntary role.'

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]

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 142,700 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.