Bridgend RNLI lifeguards offer safety advice as patrols reduce

This Sunday 7 August, daily RNLI lifeguard patrols will come to an end across a number of Welsh beaches.

Trecco Bay remains open full time until 14 September, then will be patrolled on weekends only until 28 September. Rest Bay will be patrolled on 13-14 September before closing until next season.

On Sunday 17 August, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Matt Childs was patrolling on the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) to shepherd the crowds enjoying the surf at Whitmore Bay in Barry.

Whilst on patrol, Matt spotted a father and son, both of whom were out of their depth. The father was holding the child afloat, but in doing so was struggling to keep his own head above the water.

Matt approached them on the RWC, grabbed the father’s hand and guided him onto the rescue sled on the back of the RWC. Once the father and son were onboard, Matt returned them both safely to shore.

Matt said:

‘When I spotted the father and son, I could tell the father was in imminent danger. He was managing to keep his child afloat, but in doing so was putting himself at risk of drowning.

‘I made my way as quickly as possible to their assistance and got them safely onto the back of the RWC. As lifeguards we are actively patrolling the swim zone and beach, making sure everyone in the water is safe and responding to those in difficulty, like this father and son.

‘If I hadn’t reached them, the outcome could have been very different.’

On the same day whilst Matt continued patrolling the water on the RWC, LG Non Roberts stationed on the four-wheel drive truck (4WD) alerted him to a swimmer in difficulty at the eastern end of the red and yellow flags.

Matt immediately responded, making his way to assist. He identified the casualty as a young child who was out of their depth and unable to swim back to shore.

As the RWC approached, Matt could see the child’s head going underwater, they couldn’t stay afloat to breathe. Matt jumped off the RWC to grab the child and kept him them afloat.

Non entered the water to assist, once on scene, she took over care of the child and walked them back to shore.

Matt continued:

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live. Lying on your back and submerging your ears helps to preserve your energy and maintain your airway.

‘Move your arms and legs around to help you stay afloat until you’re able to wave and shout for help. Floating gives you precious time whilst waiting for assistance to arrive.

‘RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling every day this week between 10am-6pm. From Sunday 7 September, we will only be patrolling at Trecco Bay every day until 14 September and Rest Bay will be patrolled on 13-14 September. All other beaches will not be patrolled until next season.

‘If you see anyone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your assistance.’

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

- 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.

RNLI Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
• Relax and control your breathing
• Move your hands and legs around to help you stay afloat
• Your legs may sink, that’s ok – we all float differently
• Practice swimming at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

Despite the coming absence of lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.

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.