Swansea RNLI lifeguards kept busy during week with heatwave and eclipse

On Wednesday 12 August, RNLI lifeguards at Aberavon dealt with a demanding afternoon of overlapping incidents during the eclipse, as a heatwave and waves drew thousands of people to the beach and hundreds into the water.

Over the course of the day, lifeguards responded to 12 separate missing children reports throughout the afternoon. At times, the team was searching for up to four missing children at once, all while continuing to actively manage the two designated swimming areas between the red and yellow flags at Aberavon and Little Side beaches. The team's rescue water craft (RWC) was launched and stayed afloat for almost the entire afternoon, supporting the search efforts.

Alongside this, lifeguards also dealt with two incidents in the water and provided first aid to a collapsed person on the promenade near the lifeguard unit, at a time when the team was still searching for a missing child. Thankfully to the team’s great efforts, every missing child was found and reunited with their family.

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, stayed on the beach supporting the team throughout the day. Vinny said:

‘The lifeguards did an amazing job managing multiple overlapping incidents in hot and difficult conditions.

' We would also like to remind people to keep an eye on their children due to the numerous incidents throughout the week where children are missing during busy beach conditions.’

On Saturday 15 August, the lifeguard team at Port Eynon faced a busy day responding to numerous incidents as a result of strong offshore winds.

The team worked proactively throughout the day, advising members of the public about the conditions and flying two windsocks to highlight the increased risk. The sunny weather combined with strong offshore winds resulted in several people requiring assistance from the lifeguards.

Lifeguards Polly Watkins and Charlotte Eales assisted two separate paddleboarders who were unable to return to shore, while Senior Lifeguard Josh Everard delivered numerous public address announcements to warn beachgoers about the conditions.

On one occasion, the team spotted around eight people using various items of equipment including two stand-up paddleboards and one kayak approximately 700m offshore. The group of beachgoers had headed out earlier in the day and were unable to return to shore due to the strengthening offshore winds. Senior Lifeguard Josh Everard made the decision to request assistance from HM Coastguard, who tasked a nearby vessel and Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat to support the incident. All the casualties were returned to shore safely.

Throughout the day, the team responded to three casualty care incidents, including a woman suffering an allergic reaction following a bee sting and two people who sustained deep cuts to their feet after coming into contact with an object in the sand.

The incidents highlighted the challenging conditions created by offshore winds and demonstrated the proactive approach taken by the Port Eynon Lifeguard Team to keep beach users safe.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor in Swansea, Tom John said:

‘These incidents highlighted the challenging conditions created by offshore winds and demonstrated the proactive approach taken by the lifeguard team to keep beach users safe.

‘If you are heading to the beach, beware of the conditions, even though the sea can look appealing, conditions like the wind direction and strength can quickly change.

‘Remember to visit a lifeguarded beach and speak to the lifeguards before going in the water, keeping an eye out for the orange windsock that indicates no inflatables. Always wear the appropriate bouncy aid and carry a means of calling for help.’

RNLI Media Contacts

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

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.