Tenby Castle beach lifeguards rescue paddleboarders in difficulty

On Sunday 9 August, Tenby Castle beach lifeguards responded to three individuals drifting out to sea on a paddleboard after getting caught in a rip current.

Lifeguard Lili Collier (17) ran in to assist on a rescue board, paddling 200m out to sea to the three casualties. When Lili arrived, she explained that they were drifting out to sea in a rip current. One of the three individuals was a strong swimmer and made their way back to shore. Lili brought one of the casualties onto her rescue board and paddled them back to the beach.

Meanwhile, Gabe Thicker (20), also a Castle beach lifeguard ran in with a rescue tube to swim the male casualty and paddleboard to shore.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, Tai Jackson said:

‘Lili and Gabe acted efficiently to help the individuals on the paddleboard who were being pulled quickly out to sea, they did an excellent job, returning them safely to shore.

‘At Castle beach there is usually a rip current at high tide that can take you out to sea. If you’re planning a visit to Castle beach, speak to the lifeguards for advice and stay between the red and yellow flags.

‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on your back, with your head tilted and ears submerged in the water, gently moving your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.’

South Pembrokeshire RNLI Lifeguards are patrolling full time, everyday 10-6pm. If you are planning on visiting the coast, remember to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• Stay with your board if you have one or ‘Float To Live’ if you don’t.
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
• If you can, wade or swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Notes to editors:

• RNLI lifeguard cover is available between 10am-6pm.
• You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected] or 07483 485378.

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 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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