Busy May half-term for Denbighshire RNLI Lifeguards
With a heatwave and half-term, Denbighshire lifeguards were busy with multiple incidents with many heading to the coast.
On Wednesday 27 May at Prestatyn, two paddleboards with four people onboard were seen drifting a long distance out to sea. Prestatyn Beach Lifeguards coordinated a rescue with the Coastguard and Rhyl Lifeboat who were tasked for the rescue. Everyone was returned safety to shore.
On Monday 25 May, 400 people were cleared off Rhyl sandbanks as the beach numbers rose. On Tuesday 26 May, Rhyl Lifeguards were involved in a multi-agency search with the Coastguard and Rhyl Lifeboat, for two children who had been missing for two hours. The search was conducted for around half an hour and thankfully the children were found safe and well.
Currently, Prestatyn and Rhyl Beaches are lifeguarded on weekends only 10am-6pm until the end of June, where many beaches across Wales begin full time lifeguard patrols.
Anna Underwood, Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor said:
‘After a busy week for our lifeguards, we’d like to remind you to always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
‘Remember to check the tide times and conditions before you visit and always carry a means of contact like a mobile phone.
‘You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by heading to the RNLI website and searching your postcode.’
While the air temperature can become warm at this time of year, the sea is still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk.
If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float To Live:
- Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
- It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently.
- Once you have regained your energy, call for help.
If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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.
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.