Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard following multiple 999 calls that two people had been swept out to sea off Hutchwns Point.

The pair were caught by the strong incoming tide and notorious currents known locally as ‘the Rest bay bus.’ The charity’s Atlantic 85 Rose of the Shires was launched on service and made best speed to the location. Once on scene the crew located the casualties. The crew were surprised to discover that helm Joe Missen was one of them. He had been on the beach with his family when he spotted the swimmer who had got into difficulty and after instructing his partner to dial 999, he rushed to their aid with a bodyboard and supported them in the water until the lifeboat arrived.

Whilst our advice is always to not enter the water yourself, Joe was confident in his ability to help the casualty until the lifeboat arrived on scene and undoubtably made a difference to a positive outcome. Both were dropped ashore at the beach before the lifeboat received a further tasking.

📞 In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

To help power Porthcawl RNLI volunteers to our next rescue: https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/Porthcawl