Warning issued to paddleboarders after busy weekend for coastguards
Warning issued to paddleboarders after busy weekend for coastguards
Coastguards are urging people out at sea to be aware that conditions can 'change quickly'
Lifeboats were called out three times in less than four hours
(Image: Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team )
Coastguards based at a Welsh beauty spot have issued a warning to anyone going in the water across the region this summer, after a busy weekend of incidents. The lifeboat that serves the Gower with some of the most popular beaches in Wales, such as Llangennith, Oxwich Bay and Rhossili Bay was called out three times in less than four hours on Saturday.
They assisted swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers as well as a drunk man who had fallen over on the busy afternoon.
One of the incidents involved two paddleboarders who got caught in a riptide and were being taken out to sea, without lifejackets on. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Now the RNLI are urging anyone thinking of getting in the sea this summer to take their safety seriously by wearing a life jacket, checking tides, and being prepared by wearing suitable clothing and having a phone with them.
A spokesperson for the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat said: "On Saturday, May 10, the lifeboat was launched three times in less than four hours at the request of the Coastguard to assist people in difficulty.
"The first launch was shortly after four o'clock following a report that two people were cut off by the tide on Worms Head Rhossili.
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"The boat made its way to Worms Head and after the crew checked with fishermen on Worms Head, who intended to await the next low tide before returning back to shore, they established that no people were stranded on Worms Head.
"Information was then received from the Coastguard that the two people previously believed to have been stranded had in fact earlier made it back to shore and were safe. The boat returned to the lifeboat station and was washed down and re-fuelled ready for the next call out.
"Just before 7.30 the boat was again launched to a report of two paddleboarders in difficulty in Oxwich Bay. Two females were initially caught in the tidal race on Oxwich Point.
"Two kayakers had assisted them by towing them back into the bay. The lifeboat took over and towed one of the paddleboarders back to shore. The other one made it back to shore under her own steam. They were not wearing lifejackets.
"Shortly after the lifeboat had returned to station information was received that a man had fallen on Oxwich beach and hit his head.
"It was believed he was under the influence of alcohol. The crew and lifeboat was dispatched in case their assistance was required. The police and Coastguard dealt with the incident and the boat returned to station.
Lawrie Grove, the Lifeboat operations manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station said: "I would remind people when paddleboarding to wear a buoyancy aid and to carry a phone in waterproof pouch.
"You should also wear the correct leash so that you are still attached to the board should you fall off and the board does not drift away from you.
"I would also suggest that you go with a friend. It's more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.
"You should check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner.
"Also be aware, sea conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don't go out. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. I would advise you to wear suitable clothing for the time of year.
"Finally if you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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