Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat aids injured local surfer
Today (Thursday 10th October 2024) shortly before 3pm, the Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat was launched after information was received that a surfer was injured in Slade Bay near Port Eynon.
The lifeboat made its way to Slade and the crew found the surfer who was from the area, on the beach at Slade. The crew administered first aid to the surfer who had chest and head injuries. He was then taken by helicopter to hospital. They'd been surfing on the reef at Slade and, whilst riding a wave, he fell off and landed on the reef injuring himself. His brother who was with him, helped him to make it back to shore and called the emergency services. The sea conditions were challenging and to reach the surfer on the beach the volunteer lifeboat crew negotiated their way through waves 5-6ft.
Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Horton and Port Eynon Station said:
‘Always surf with someone else especially in big swells, so that you can watch out for each other. I would also advise surfers to ensure that you wear a leash and hold onto your board – if you get into trouble it will help you float. Also take a phone or radio with you in a waterproof bag, so that if you get into difficulty you can call for help. Remember if you see people who you think are in difficulty in the sea or on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.’
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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