Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard following a 999 call from a fisherman on the breakwater reporting concerns for 3 teenage boys on a paddleboard drifting out to sea.
The charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Rose of the Shires was launched on service and located the 3 boys on the paddleboard between Rhych Point and Newton Point around 400m from the shore. The casualties accepted the offer for assistance and were taken onboard the lifeboat along with their equipment. They were then dropped back to the beach at Sandy Bay (Coney Beach).

The RNLI would promote that all water users check the weather and tide conditions before heading out to sea and always have the essential safety equipment including a lifejacket and a means of calling for help – such as a radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Never enter the water alone and tell someone what your planning on doing and when you expect to be back.

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

If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live:

  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged
  • Relax, breathe normally and move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
  • It’s ok if your legs sink, we all float differently
  • Once you’re over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety

Remember it. Practise it. Share it.

To support Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew and power us to our next rescue: https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/Porthcawl