RNLI rescue young surfer in evening lifeboat launch off Gower

The surfer had been caught in a north-westerly wind and was being carried further out into the depths of the Bristol Channel. With nightfall fast approaching and temperatures dropping, time was of the essence.

Both RNLI lifeboats were quickly on the water and made best speed towards the area. Soon after, a 999 call, reported a person waving on a board, out to sea, south of Foxhole Bay.

The Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat was first on scene and safely recovered the casualty from the water. The Mumbles lifeboat arrived soon afterwards, and a decision was made to transfer the casualty to the warmth of the all-weather lifeboat, where a further casualty assessment could be carried out.

The crew administered medical care, and a joint decision was made to take the casualty to Oxwich Bay. He was then transferred between lifeboats back to the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat, which had initially recovered him, and returned safely to his waiting family.

Stuart Payne, Helm of the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat said:

‘We could see he was drifting further out, and with the light starting to go we knew we needed to get to him quickly. Once we had eyes on him, it was a straightforward recovery and a real team effort from both lifeboats.’

Gavin Dodd, an RNLI volunteer onboard the Mumbles all-weather lifeboat said:

‘It doesn’t take much for an offshore wind to catch you out and push you further out than you expect. It’s always worth checking the conditions before you go in, and making sure you’ve got a way of calling for help.’

The RNLI is reminding anyone heading into the water to be aware of offshore winds and changing conditions. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

You can find more advice on staying safe while surfing via the RNLI website:

https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/surfing

Notes to Editors

Please find attached footage of the Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat launching.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert, on [email protected] or 07717 793890.

For Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat enquiries, please contact Bryn Hurford (Lifeboat Press Officer) on [email protected].

Alternatively contact Danielle Rush, Regional Communications Lead in Wales, the North West and Isle of Man on 07786 668829 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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.