Father, son and daughter RNLI lifeguard trio saving lives at sea

Father, son and daughter Tom, Cai and Poppy Owen are all RNLI beach lifeguards on the Pembrokeshire coast in south-west Wales.

The family trio all began their lifeguarding journey at numerous stages, with Dad Tom Owen joining the North Pembrokeshire Team in 2022. Cai, now aged 19, followed in his father’s footsteps joining the same lifeguard team in 2023 to help keep his local beaches safe alongside his dad. Likewise daughter Poppy, 17, Cai’s younger sister, joined the team last year when she turned 16.

At 52-years-old, Tom is also the eldest lifeguard in the North Pembrokeshire Team. Tom has years of lifeguarding experience behind him having started before the RNLI service rolled out in Pembrokeshire in 2008. Tom said:

‘I first had the opportunity to work as a beach lifeguard for the local council in 1992 before the RNLI’s lifeguard service was rolled out in 2008. My interest grew whilst in Australia, so I spent a couple of summers out there volunteering mainly for surf lifesaving clubs.

‘Joining the RNLI has always appealed to me and now that my children are old enough, I took the opportunity to give it a go. It’s also lovely working alongside my kids, I’m really proud of what they have achieved, although I try not to embarrass them too much!’

Poppy and Cai have grown up on the coast of Pembrokeshire, and from a young age they’ve spent countless hours in and around the water. Both have swum competitively for many years, competing in club and county competitions, building fantastic swimming skills that are essential in lifeguarding. Cai and Poppy are also surfers, with Poppy competing for Wales in the Junior Santa Cruz Eurosurf in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Cai said:

‘My most memorable lifeguard shift with my dad was when we cycled to work together, but on the way home, my bike got a puncture. Dad cycled home and I had to walk back. But I really enjoy cycling to work in the summer with dad and to have the opportunity to be active and help others.’

Poppy said:

‘I really enjoyed my first season working on the beaches last year and can’t wait for this one to begin. I have already completed my lifeguard induction and just finished my A levels.

‘It’s hopefully going to be a great summer working alongside my brother and dad and in a special year as the charity celebrates the 25^th anniversary of RNLI lifeguards.’

The Owen family are extremely active and love to keep fit, with Tom also being an avid cycler. Tom said:

‘My age was never a consideration of mine when applying for the beach lifeguard job. I’ve always enjoyed working in a team and having the opportunity to be outside on my local beaches is brilliant. It’s hugely satisfying knowing I’m helping to keep others safe.

‘I hope other people my age see that lifeguarding isn’t just for youngsters. If you’re still fit and healthy and love being at the beach, just give it a go, you won’t regret it.'

In Pembrokeshire, RNLI beach lifeguards have saved 164 lives, leading the number of lives saved in Wales. New figures also show that RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire have aided a further 15,513 people and rescued 1,799 since the service began in 2008.

Notes to editors

• Interviews are available on request, please contact Betsy Owen on the details below.

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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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.