Busy weekend for Barry RNLI lifeguards

Following the hottest and busiest weekend of the year for lifeguards patrolling in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, the RNLI are reminding the public of the importance of choosing a lifeguarded beach.

The very hot weather meant crowds flooded to the beach. Despite being a calm day, the large spring tides created dangerous currents, especially in the afternoon.

Over the weekend, the team of six lifeguards rescued 25 individuals which included a six-person mass rescue. They also helped to locate 10 missing children and dealt with a major first aid incident.

Several of these incidents required assistance from local Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Police. All rescues and incidents had positive outcomes, showing the effectiveness of multi-agency work.

Matt Childs, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the area said:

‘Last weekend the conditions were great for people to enjoy the sunshine at the beach but also posed great risk to those going in the sea.

‘The combination of wind and large spring tides created strong currents. We rescued many people from these currents over the weekend as well as a large number of people caught out by the offshore wind.

‘This situation shows the importance of following our guidance. When we fly the orange windsock, it’s vitally important that inflatables are not taken in the sea. Inflatables are light and full of air and therefore very easily blown out to sea.

‘If you’re unsure how to check for an offshore wind, look for the orange windsock at lifeguarded beaches. At non-lifeguarded beaches, look for any flags, if they’re visibly blowing towards the sea, do not take inflatables in the water.

‘We position our flags in the safest areas of the beach. Remember to swim between the red and yellow flags and surf, kayak or bodyboard between the black and white flags.

‘When the beaches are busy it’s especially hard to locate missing people and children. Please keep a close eye on your children at all times and organise a designated meeting spot in case you are separated.

‘Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a phone in a waterproof pouch when going in the sea on a kayak, paddleboard or dinghy. If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

RNLI rip current advice:

- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
- Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Anya Walton Communications 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 is the charity that 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 146,700 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.