Porthcawl, UK – As this week’s large tides coincide with warm, sunny weather and busy school summer holidays, RNLI has issued an urgent safety reminder for coastal visitors.

The warning follows a recent rescue by Porthcawl RNLI volunteers who saved two teenagers stranded on a rock near Newton Point with waves rapidly rising around them.

At 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, HM Coastguard paged the RNLI after a 999 call reported the teenagers stuck on the rocky outcrop. The D class lifeboat Hugo Missen launched with three volunteer crew members aboard.

Chris Page, Porthcawl Lifeboat Press Officer and crew member, said, “Time was really of the essence with this shout, as there was still over two hours until high water.”

Upon arrival, the crew spotted the teenagers, one with grazed arms from scrambling. A crew member boarded the rock, provided lifejackets, reassured them, and helped transfer them safely to the lifeboat.

Though wet and lightly injured, both teenagers were otherwise well. The crew returned them to Newton beach where Coastguard Rescue Teams provided minor first aid.

RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Tirion Dowsett advised, “With the large tides and sunny weather forecast this week, we are reminding people to always check the tide times and take a means of calling for help – such as a fully charged mobile phone. If you are planning on entering the water, we’d always recommend choosing a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.”

Chris Page added, “We have one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world and it’s easy to get caught out, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Check the tide times on a trusted source like the Met Office and remember there may be local differences depending on where you are and what tide table you are reading.”

Tirion also urged visitors to be cautious: “The large spring tides forecast this week mean 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.”

He added safety advice: “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.”

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