Trearddur Bay RNLI rescue swimmers caught in rip current
This morning (Friday 12 September), Trearddur Bay RNLI rescued two swimmers caught in rip current that were clinging onto a swim buoy in the mouth of Trearddur Bay.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by HM Coastguard at 7.15am following a report of two people in the water waving and calling for help. The D class lifeboat Clive and Imelda Rawlins II launched in challenging conditions and breaking surf with four volunteer crew members onboard and was on scene within minutes.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew found the swimmers that were calling for help being supported by other local experienced swimmers that had gone out to help. The lifeboat crew brought two casualties onboard and returned to station where they were passed into the care of North Wales Ambulance Service.
Speaking following the call out, Crew Member Leigh McCann said:
'The D class lifeboat was launched in challenging conditions to two swimmers in difficulty. Due to the low tide and weather, waves formed over the sandbar making swimming very difficult.
'The swimmers had found some calmer waters at the far side of the beach, however, there is a strong rip current at that location which can pull you out to sea. This could have made swimming out very difficult.
'The lifeboat arrived to the casualties who were fortunately clinging to a swim buoy, supported by an experienced local swimming group.
'Thank you to the group of swimmers for their assistance with the casualties, and for raising the alarm and calling the Coastguard.'
If you do get caught in a rip, don’t try to swim against it or you will get exhausted. If you can stand, wade and don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
Always raise your hand and shout for help. If you see someone who you think might be in trouble, don't delay, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
Megan Dixon Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Trearddur Bay RNLI on 07922303963 or email [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith Regional Communications Manager Wales, North West and Isle of Man, on 07977728315 or email [email protected]
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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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