Porthcawl RNLI working overtime as temperature soars

Glamorgan Star news 12/08/2022

2 minutes read

Porthcawl RNLI’s two lifeboats. Photo by Porthcawl RNLI/Stephen Jones

Porthcawl RNLI working overtime as temperature soars:

Porthcawl RNLI crew have had to deal with a record number of people getting into difficulty in the last few days – with paddle boarders getting into trouble with ominous regularity.

The charity’s two inshore lifeboats, Atlantic 85 Rose of the Shires and D Class Hugo Missen, both based at Porthcawl, were launched on Thursday evening (August 11) to around 70 people who got trapped on the Porthcawl side of the Ogmore River, as well as being tasked to paddleboarders in difficulty.

Those helped at the Ogmore river mouth had crossed the river earlier in the day when the tide was out and had not realised they would get trapped on the Porthcawl side by the tide later on in the day.

Simon Emms, volunteer helm at Porthcawl RNLI said: “HM Coastguard tasked Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew to the Ogmore River yesterday evening as a safety intervention. There is real concern that someone will attempt to cross the river and due to the fast-flowing currents, get swept out to sea. The teams from Porthcawl and Llantwit Major Coastguard also responded. It is really important people check the tide times daily to ensure they don’t get cut off and trapped by the incoming tide.’

The incidents at Ogmore River and those involving paddleboarders on Thursday replicate the incidents Porthcawl RNLI were tasked to the previous evening when over 30 people were assisted at the Ogmore River mouth and three people in difficulty with a paddleboard were rescued.

The increase in the popularity of Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) has led the charity to issue a reminder about how to carry out this activity safely:

Before venturing on the water, it is important to wear a Personal Floatation Device and ensure an appropriate leash is worn. The RNLI recommends always checking the weather and tides before partaking in the activity and avoid paddling out in offshore winds. Visit a lifeguarded beach during patrol hours. Before heading out on to the water, the RNLI advises taking a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and calling the Coastguard on 999 in an emergency.

Around Porthcawl and the Vale of Glamorgan the tidal range is the second largest in the world. With the recent spell of good weather, the sea may look calm but as a result of the tidal range and the spring tides we currently have, there are very fast flowing tidal currents which can easily sweep you out to sea.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Wales said: “We’ve seen an increase in call outs to Stand Up Paddleboards throughout the RNLI and hope people take heed of our advice. With so many people enjoying the water this summer, it’s important that we all know the risks.

“The sea can be unpredictable, and even with the temperatures soaring, the fact is that the water is still cold. The sea temperature around the UK and Ireland rarely gets above 15 degrees, and the risk of cold water shock significantly increases as air temperatures rise.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.”