Trearddur Bay RNLI volunteer touched to receive lifesaving thank you note
A woman who was rescued by Trearddur Bay RNLI volunteers on Sunday 2 November, has left a thank you note to the crew who helped save her life.
The station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat with volunteer crew members Mathew McNaught, Tomm Moffett, Hayden Bowers and Helm Dafydd Griffiths onboard, was diverted from morning training to Rhosneigr, following reports of a person in the water in immediate danger.
The passage to the scene was difficult due to a choppy sea state, significant spray and the position of the sun. Once on scene, the lifeboat crew were guided by local Coastguard Rescue Teams, who had eyes on the casualty, who had got into difficulty whilst swimming.
Helm Dafydd Griffiths said:
‘The casualty was in a difficult position due to the proximity of rocks and a reef. We managed to recover the casualty onto the lifeboat and after a casualty care assessment a decision was made to transport them to hospital via the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.’
The helicopter arrived quickly and lowered their paramedic onto the lifeboat to assess further and winch the casualty.
Yesterday a special handwritten note and some cake had been left at the station, which is usually unmanned unless there is training or a lifeboat shout.
The note reads:
‘Thankyou somehow seems inadequate but thankyou!
‘What amazing people you all are – you made me feel safe and I think, saved my life. So, once again, thank you all.’
Dafydd added:
'This was a challenging shout due to the sea state and location of the casualty, and it’s amazing to know that the woman is doing OK and out of hospital.
‘When we hand casualties over to the care of the paramedics, we may never know the outcome, but to receive such a thoughtful note is heartwarming.
‘It’s thanks to the quick thinking of the public who raised the alarm and the multiagency work between ourselves and HM Coastguard that this was a positive outcome. Thank you to the other agencies involved in this rescue and we wish the woman a speedy recovery.
‘If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged and relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands and legs gently to help you stay afloat if needed, it's okay if your legs sink. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can.
‘If you ever spot anyone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact: Megan Dixon volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Trearddur Bay RNLI on 07922 303 963 or email
[email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Caire Fitzpatrick-Smith Regional Communications Manager Wales, North West and Isle of Man, on 07977728315 or email [email protected]
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
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