Watch: Porthcawl RNLI tidal cut off rescue as charity issue safety warning

This reminder from the lifesaving charity comes after a rescue earlier this month, when volunteer lifeboat crew from Porthcawl RNLI rescued two people who had become cut off by the incoming tide beneath the cliffs, somewhere between Ogmore and Southerndown on the Vale of Glamorgan coastline.

It was on the afternoon of Sunday 11 May at approximately 2.27pm, when the lifeboat crew were paged after a 999 call to HM Coastguard. Both Porthcawl RNLI lifeboats – the Atlantic 85, Rose of the Shires, and D class lifeboat, Hugo Missen, were launched on service and made best speed to the location with time being of the essence due to the rapidly incoming spring tide.

Chris Missen, Helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat said:

‘The casualties weren’t local to the area and were unsure of their precise location. We had to get there quickly in order to locate them. Thankfully, shortly after we arrived on scene and began searching from Ogmore Deeps – we spotted them below the cliffs near West Farm, Southerndown.

‘The fact they had a means of calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard in this time critical rescue was a lifeline. They stayed where they were with some distance between themselves and the water whilst they waited for us to arrive.’

Once the lifeboat crews arrived, two volunteers from the Atlantic 85 went ashore in order to reassure the casualties and provide them with lifejackets in preparation for extraction into the smaller D class lifeboat, which could get closer to them in more shallow water.

Nathan Evans, Helm of the D class lifeboat said:

‘When we arrived on scene, I assessed the situation and made the decision that the safest way for us to rescue the casualties was using a manoeuvre known as veering.

‘This involves slowly letting out line on the anchor and approaching the rocks beneath the cliffs astern (backwards). I manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside a small ledge from which the casualties could then safely step aboard with the help of the other crew members.’

The casualties were then transferred to the larger Atlantic 85 lifeboat and brought back to the safety of the shore. Nathan continued:

‘The Bristol Channel has the second largest tidal range in the world and it's easy to become cut off if you're not familiar with the area.

‘If you’re visiting the coast check conditions and tide times before you go using a trusted online source, such as the Met Office. Always carry a means to call for help such as a mobile phone. In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Sarah Lewis, from the RNLI Water Safety Team said:

‘Being either on or near the water can be an amazing experience and creates incredible memories, please just take a few steps to ensure you can step out with confidence. We recently shared the results from a Bangor University survey looking into tidal knowledge awareness in the UK and we know that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge.

‘This time of year we expect numbers of people visiting the coast to increase, especially during school holidays and sunny weather.

‘With large spring tides forecast this week, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and areas not normally known for tidal cut off may see incidents occur.

‘Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of staying safe and checking the weather and tide times. If you can’t interpret the tide timetable, always seek local advice and stay alert.

‘It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, this is why it’s important to always check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.’

If you ever sport anyone in difficulty on the coast or in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

When visiting the coast, always remember:

• Check the tide times. If you don’t understand them, please check local advice.
• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please 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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.