Latest news with #LawrieGrove
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Warning as windsurfer rescued in force four winds in emergency off Welsh coast
Warning as windsurfer rescued in force four winds in emergency off Welsh coast Life boat crews warned windsurfers to check weather conditions and take a mobile phone in water proof casing when going out onto the water Port Eynon beach, Gower, Swansea (Image: Mirrorpix ) A windsurfer who got into difficulties in hugh winds in the sea off the Welsh coast was rescued by a lifeboat crew. Members of Horton and Port Eynon RNLI Lifeboat rescues were just returning from a training exercise when they were approached by a number of windsurfers who were concerned about a windsurfer who they thought was in difficulty in the sea at Port Eynon Bay. The lifeboat was immediately re-launched and made a search of the bay. The crew saw a windsurfer waving at them clearly trying to draw their attention. When they made their way to him they spotted another person in the sea close by. He was wearing a wetsuit and was almost 400 metres offshore. He had been separated from his windsurfer. The man was taken on board the lifeboat and taken back to shore. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice In a statement the crew said: "The wind was blowing at force four and there was a one metre swell. Had the windsurfer, close to the man in the water, not drawn the crews attention it would have extremely difficult to have spotted the man in the water." The lifeboat was launched again shortly after 4pm. when information was received of a kitesurfer in difficulty. A search of the area was made but no kitesurfer could be found. Article continues below Lawrie Grove, the lifeboat perations manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station urged windsurfers to take care, pay attention to weather conditions and take a mobile phone to call for help. He said: 'We want people to have fun when heading out on the water, however incidents can happen even for the most experienced water users. "When going windsurfing always carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. "In the event of an emergency, if possible stay with your equipment, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. "Weather conditions, particularly offshore winds and strong tidal currents can make it more difficult or even impossible to return to the shore, so it is really important to check the forecast and tide times before you head out. "Remember to wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid or personal floatation device as this will help you float if you end up in the water unexpectedly." Article continues below
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
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. Article continues below "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." Article continues below
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seven stranded students rescued from tidal island
Seven students have been rescued after becoming stranded on a tidal island in stormy conditions. Lifeboat volunteers made four trips to bring the group from Worms Head, off the Gower, to safety in Rhossili on Saturday. The group of American students - made up of five women and two men - had been spending some time at Swansea University and decided to make the trip to the island but were cut off by the incoming tide. Jon Tarrant, one of the volunteer crew, said it was a "challenging rescue", adding: "The swell was up to two metres and the rise and fall of the water presented difficulties in picking up the people and also returning them to shore at Rhossili." Three rescued after being cut off by rising tide Warning after students stranded by high tide The RNLI team said the students were "extremely grateful" and "could not believe that all the crew were unpaid volunteers". Worm's Head is usually accessible on foot for two hours and 30 minutes either side of low tide, but can close earlier due to strong winds accelerating the arrival of high tide. Lawrie Grove, lifeboats operation manager, said its opening times were displayed near to the causeway. "I would remind people when walking on or near the coast to make sure that they check local tide times and plan walks accordingly," he added. "They should never try to swim or wade to shore when cut off by the tide, it is extremely dangerous." It is not the first time students have had to be rescued from Worm's Head, with a group of eight becoming stranded in October.
