Eight people rescued from Sully Island in five days as RNLI urges caution

Rescuing people who have become cut off by the tide is vital to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Once the causeway to Sully Island has started to submerge, they may be stranded for up to six hours, often without appropriate clothing, shelter, or access to medical supplies. Prolonged exposure to the elements can pose serious health risks, and some may be tempted to try and swim back – a dangerous decision in fast-moving water.

The narrow channel between Sully Island and the mainland acts like a funnel and although may appear calm, as the tide rises, water can surge through at speeds of up to 7 knots or approximately 8mph. That’s fast enough to knock you off your feet in mid-calf deep water, sweeping you into the cold sea where you could experience cold water shock and be quickly carried out into the Bristol Channel.

To help reduce incidents, the RNLI Sully Island Water Safety Team, made up of volunteers from Barry Dock and Penarth RNLI stations, will begin their patrols from the start of the Easter break. Volunteers will be stationed at the causeway during busy times, offering advice to walkers and visitors about tide times, safe crossing points and the risks involved.

If you're planning to visit Sully Island, pay attention to the signs and follow this advice:

• Check tide times before you go. Tide times and heights vary each day – the causeway is not always safe.
  
  
• Pay attention to safety signs at the top of the causeway.
  
  
• Listen to advice from RNLI water safety volunteers. They are there to help you stay safe.
  
  
• Don’t cross if water is already covering the causeway. Even shallow water can hide a fast-moving current.
  
  
• Carry a means of calling for help. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the HM Coastguard.

If you do find yourself in the water unexpectedly, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back with your ears in the water, relax and float on your back with your arms and legs spread out like a starfish. Try to control your breathing before trying to signal for help.

Anna Snow, RNLI Volunteer Water Safety Officer, said:

‘Sully Island is a lovely place to explore, but it's vital to respect the water and understand the risks. The tides can be unpredictable and fast-moving depending on where you are along the coast. We urge everyone to check tide times, follow safety advice, and always have a means of calling for help. Your safety is our priority.’

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Bill Kitchen, added:

‘The most important thing to say is that everybody rescued last week are safe, albeit they were cold and wet. But eight people in five day shows just how easy it is to get caught out. That’s why the Sully Island Water Safety Team is so important. Their presence on the causeway helps inform people before they make the crossing and gives them a better understanding of how dangerous the tide can be.’

As the Easter bank holiday approaches, the RNLI is encouraging everyone to take a moment to plan ahead before heading out for a coastal walk or a day at the beach.

The tide moves in and out twice a day, and although it follows a reliable pattern, the exact times differ and change from one day to the next. What looks like a safe stretch of sand and rock can quickly become dangerous if you’re caught unaware by the rising water. There are multiple tide apps available for your mobile phone to download which will give you accurate tide times.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland.
• Barry Dock lifeboat stations operate in the Vale of Glamorgan, launching lifeboats in all weather conditions to respond to emergencies.
• The RNLI’s OneCrew ethos recognises that every volunteer, staff member, and supporter is part of the same team, working together to save lives at sea.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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