Off duty Swansea RNLI lifeguards rescue swimmer in Storm Austen

On Sunday (October 25) afternoon, Swansea RNLI beach lifeguards Ryder (25) and his girlfriend Ava (21), were out for a walk down Langland Bay.

Ryder and Ava spotted a swimmer caught in a rip current amongst the stormy conditions and strong offshore winds, pushing them further out to sea. A local surfer Chris French paddled over to the man who was struggling and assisted him onto his surfboard, calming him down and slowly paddling him in towards the shore.

Meanwhile, Ryder ran to Langland’s beach lifeguard unit and grabbed a rescue board before running in to help Chris bring the casualty to safety. Chris offloaded the swimmer onto Ryder’s rescue board and Ryder continued to return him to shore.

The man was extremely thankful to both Chris and Ryder for coming to his aid.

Tom John, Seasonal RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said:

‘Ryder and Ava did an incredible job, putting their training and vigilance into action despite being off duty for the season. They are a fantastic example of our lifeguards who are always looking out for others in difficulty at the coast.

‘There have been numerous incidents recently of people finding themselves in difficulty in the water and local off duty lifeguards and surfers having to step in and assist people back to shore.

‘There are no RNLI lifeguarded beaches currently across the Swansea coastline. Therefore, if you are planning on heading to the beach, make sure to check the tide times and weather conditions.’

While summer may be over, the October half-term period remains a popular time for families, surfers and water sports enthusiasts to visit the coast. The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning a trip to the beach to think about their safety and the safety of their loved ones, especially if entering the water.

RNLI lifeguards are on duty daily (10am-5pm) at Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire, from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. After Sunday 1 November 2026, the 2026 RNLI lifeguard season will end in Wales.

Chris Cousens, Regional Water Safety Lead, said:

‘As we’ve moved into the autumn season, the temperature and sea conditions begin to change.

‘If you are planning on visiting the coast during the half term week or winter months, check the tide times before you go. If you can’t understand the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.

‘Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

‘If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘If you do get into difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged in the water, relax and float on your back with your arms and legs spread out like a starfish. Once your breathing is under control, you can signal for help by shouting and waving.'

Notes to editors

• Swansea Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Tom John is available for English and Welsh language interviews.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected] or 077483 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

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