At 5.48pm on Monday afternoon, both Porthcawl RNLI lifeboats Rose of the Shires and Harold Arnold launched to reports of two persons cut of by the tide at Dunraven Bay, Southerndown.

At 5.48pm, both RNLI lifeboats from Porthcawl were launched to rescue two persons cut off by the tide at Dunraven Bay, Southerndown, who were in immanent danger, as the strong spring tide was fast approaching them.

First on scene were two RNLI Lifeguards from Southerndown Beach. They made their way to the cut offs by means of rescue boards through large pounding waves, and when they reached them, they remained with them and reassured them that rescue was on its way.

Next on scene were the two RNLI lifeboats from Porthcawl. Volunteer RNLI Helmsman Chris Missen said “we could see that the RNLI Lifeguards were with the casualties, and had informed us that there were no injuries. My next concern was that we had to get the two persons off the beach quickly as the tide was fast approaching them. I contacted the Coastguard to inform them of my intention to land the lifeboat on the beach, but was informed that an RAF Rescue Helicopter was only four minutes away, so we stayed just off the beach while the helicopter winched the casualties to safety.”

Mr Ross Martin, Deputy Launching Authority from Porthcawl RNLI said, “this is a perfect example of a successful multi agency rescue by the RNLI Lifeboats, RNLI Lifeguards, RAF Rescue Helicopter, Police and Coastguards. It is for these types of calls our volunteers train twice a week, 52 weeks a year. Walkers should ensure that when walking along secluded beaches, they stay alert to the tide, and ensure they are able to walk off the beach safely before the tide comes in.”