Thieves target lifesaving charity

Lifeguards who have rescued 6 people and assisted 17 persons in difficulties from the sea at Rest Bay during the summer season have been targeted by callous thieves.

The thieves broke into the lifeguard station at Rest Bay in Porthcawl at 7.13pm on Tuesday 30^th October using significant force to gain entry through a shutter door and smashed outside lights to hide their activity. Undeterred by the lifeguard station alarm system they stole the charity’s ATV quad bike. The vehicle is a red Honda TRX 500 FE Quad Bike (pictured) registration CU09 AWJ worth over £8000. Club Captain Chris Page said, ‘the thieves must have man handled the ATV to remove it from the building as they didn’t have access to the keys. This incident has had a huge impact on our operations and could potentially endanger lives on Rest Bay. Although we don’t officially patrol the beach during the winter months we do provide water safety event cover for a number of surfing competitions. The next surfing event being in just a few weeks time. Without a vehicle this has put our ability to provide safety cover for this event in jeopardy. The ATV is used to launch our surf rescue boat and also as a patrol and response vehicle for incidents that occur on the beach.

During the summer lifeguards at Rest Bay dealt with 93 first aid incidents. In many of these the ATV was used to respond to incidents across the whole of Rest Bay. One example was when lifeguards received reports of an elderly gentleman who had collapsed on the board walk. Our lifeguards responded quickly using the ATV and provided initial casualty care. The man was later flown to hospital by air ambulance. If the quad bike is not recovered we are faced with needing to raise significant funds to ensure we can still provide a first class lifeguard service to the users of Rest Bay. It will also mean that our junior members cannot train as we will be unable to launch the safety boat for training sessions.’

Club Chairman and local PC Chris Bluck said, ‘it is extremely disappointing that thieves would target equipment used to patrol the beach and save lives. The lifeguard club is a charity run and funded through grants and voluntary donations. It costs the club thousands of pounds each year to run, maintain and insure our rescue equipment and to be targeted by thieves in this way is heart breaking. From a policing point of view I would ask anyone to report anything suspicious they may have noticed in the Rest Bay area on Tuesday 30^th October. If you noticed people in the area, a van or maybe a vehicle with a trailer parked on the double yellow lines at the rear of the lifeguard station around 7.13pm please pass the information to South Wales Police on 101.

Rest Bay lifeguard club plans to launch an appeal to raise funds to replace the stolen rescue quad bike. If you are interested in making a donation you can contact the club by email: info@restbaylifeguards.org.uk or www.facebook.com/restbay or www.twitter.com/rest_bay_lg

Rescue Monday 18th September 2012

A 25 year old surfer from Neath will be very grateful following a rescue in the surf rescue IRB. A series of coincidences meant that Ian James, a qualified IRB driver was at the lifeguard station in the right place at the right time on Monday evening.

 

The IRB had been at an IRB racing competition on Sunday in Barry where members of the Rest Bay team came 4th overall. The race finished late so Ian decided to store the IRB at his home overnight and return the IRB to the lifeguard station the following day. Whilst he was at the lifeguard station returning the IRB at around 18.00 on Monday evening a member of the public saw Ian outside the lifeguard station and came to tell him that there was a surfer in difficulties in the rip current at the point and in danger of being swept onto rocks.

 

At the time the tide was incoming with high water around 20.03. Conditions were big, blown out and messy with a strong rip and lateral current due to the large spring tides. Due to the fact the surfer required immediate assistance Ian took the decision to launch the IRB. He had to quickly remove the straps used to transport the IRB on road and with the assistance of 2 local girls (Danielle Jones and Kat Sinclair who were in the vicinity) launched the IRB. The IRB was crewed by the friend of the surfer in difficulties.

 

Ian negotiated the conditions and reached the stricken surfer with the surfers friend helping him onboard the IRB. They then returned to the safety of the beach with no further medical assistance required. 

 

This rescue comes following a number of rescues this summer out of normal lifeguarding hours. The current is particularly strong at present due to large spring tides. If visiting Rest Bay we recommend you stay on the golf club side of the station for your own safety. Rest Bay no longer has full time lifeguard cover so please be aware of the dangers at the beach. For further beach safety information relevant to Rest Bay please read this guide.

 

We would like to express our thanks to those members of the public who assisted Ian allowing him to perform this rescue.

 

IRB Crew: Ian James (driver), Luke Griffiths (crew - (friend of the surfer in diffulties))

Assist x3 Saturday 15th September 2012

Three surfers required assistance from lifeguards operating the RWC (Rescue Water Craft) on Saturday afternoon during the incoming tide.

Due to the strong current on the incoming tide produced by the large spring tide the surfers all found themselves struggling to make it back to shore unassisted.

The RWC was deployed to patrol the point area throughout the afternoon and each of the surfers were assisted by RWC driver Nathan Evans who picked them up using the rescue sled and transported them across the bay to an area they could continue to surf more safely.

RWC driver: Nathan Evans
Conditions: Overcast, 2-3 foot surf, Moderate Winds

Notes: The Rescue Water Craft (RWC) is a specially modified rescue waverunner commonly known by the tradename jetski.

Assist x2 Thursday 30th August 2012

ASSIST x2 16.30 – In very large challenging surf conditions lifeguards at base alerted lifeguards on the beach of 2 surfers drifting rapidly in the very strong current on the incoming tide. The surfers appeared unaware of the danger they were in and were rapidly drifting towards the point. Due to the conditions exit from the water would have been impossible once they had drifted past the headline in Rest Bay.

The beach was red flagged due to the conditions with waves with 6-8ft faces and very strong cross shore winds. All water users other than the 2 surfers had left the water.

The RWC which was in the process of being recovered was relaunched to proceed out to the surfers and give safety advice and advise them to return to shore. When the RWC arrived on scene the surfers were very close to drifting past the point. Lifeguards Nathan Evans and Gavin Davies continued to monitor the situation from the beach but due to the size of the surf and reflection of the sun it was very difficult to monitor the situation from the beach or the lifeguard station. Volunteer lifeguard Chris Page relocated in the 4x4 to the top of the headland to provide surveillance and provide other lifeguard units with regular updates on the situation as the RWC driver was unable to partake in radio com's due to the need to concentrate on the conditions.

As experienced IRB driver Gareth Davies was present at the station it was decided to also launch the IRB. This provided additional safety cover for the RWC driver should he get into difficulties and meant both surfers could be helped quickly if both required assistance simultaneously. Once the surfers made it back to shore the RWC and IRB were both recovered.

Both surfers had been unaware of the dangerous location they were in and fortunately made it back to shore unaided before the situation evolved further.

Duty Lifeguards: Nathan Evans, Gavin Davies, Lewis Campbell

Volunteer RWC (jetski) Driver: Andy Morgan
Volunteer IRB Crew: Gareth Davies Snr (driver), Dan Castle (crew)
Conditions: Overcast, Strong Westerly wind, 6-8 foot surf, Beach red flagged

Rescue Sunday 26th August 2012

RESCUE 16.30 – 18 year old bodyboarder struggling to return to shore against a rip current pulling him out to sea just outside the flagged zone. Arran Bluck paddled to him on a rescue board as the bodyboarder was attempting to swim and tow his bodyboard but could barely stay afloat. Arran helped him onto his rescue board and returned him to the safety of the beach.

Duty Lifeguards: Chris Page, Gavin Davies, Arran Bluck

Conditions: Sunny, light onshore wind, 3-4 foot surf

General Beach Safety Information

When visiting a beach look out for safety signs and safety information. Be particularly aware of any dangers specific to the beach you are visiting. Speak to the lifeguards about any dangers at the beach especially when visiting a new beach for the first time.

Most importantly try to choose a lifeguarded beach during lifeguard patrol hours and always swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the area supervised by lifeguards.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit goodbeachguide.co.uk. You can also download the RNLI beach finder app.

Before visiting the beach take a look at the beach safety videos below:

(Although the video below is made in Australia it is relevant to UK beaches too).

The video below was made by Rest Bay Lifeguard Club:

Rip Current and Dangers at Rest Bay

Despite our continued safety warnings and safety information on the noticeboard at the lifeguard station we continue to find people getting into difficulties whilst visiting Rest Bay out of patrol hours.

The main issues are happening in the evenings when lifeguards have finished patrolling for the day. So far this summer lifeguards at Rest Bay have been involved in 7 rescues/assistances which have occurred in the evening during out of hour lifeguard training sessions held at the beach. The most recent assist being of a surfer struggling in the strong current at 18.45 on Monday 21st August. The week before 2 girl bodyboarders were assisted at around 18.30 on Tuesday 14th August and a boy struggling in the rip current whilst swimming was assisted at 19.30 on Monday 13th August. These incidents all took place following a recent article / safety message printed in the gazette on Thursday 9th August following evening rescues by off duty lifeguards in the evenings of Monday 8th August and Thursday 26th July.

Club Captain Chris Page is keen to make a safety plea from Rest Bay Lifeguard Club in light of the recent evening rescues which have taken place, 'we strongly urge beach goers to only visit lifeguarded beaches during patrol hours this summer for their own safety. This is particularly important for less experienced surfers, bodyboarders and swimmers and especially those unfamiliar with the dangers at their local beach. 

Lifeguards play a proactive role preventing incidents occurring and zone the beach into different areas to keep people safe. Red and Yellow flags mark the swimming and bodyboarding area which is patrolled by lifeguards whilst black and white flags mark the surfing area for people on surf boards and other hard craft. If you see the red flag flying don't go in the water. At Rest Bay there is a bylaw making bathing prohibited whenever the red flag is flying.

Recent rescues we have performed in the evenings show just how dangerous the beach can be when there are no lifeguards present. The one which occurred on Monday night was on a local boy who you'd hope would be more aware of the dangers at Rest Bay.'

The RNLI produce an excellent beach safety guide with further information on staying safe at the beach: RNLI beach safety guide. To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit goodbeachguide.co.uk or you can also download the RNLI beach finder app.

The main danger at Rest Bay is found during the incoming and outgoing tide. There is a strong rip current near to the point at the left hand side of the bay as you look out from the lifeguard station. This tends to be stronger on spring tides and whenever there is surf at the beach. The rip occurs due to all the water being pushed into the bay naturally trying to escape. It does this at the edge of the bay running out along the rocks at the point.

We also get a strong lateral current in the direction of town on the incoming tide due to water moving up the Bristol Channel with the incoming tide.

If there are no lifeguards present we would recommend to people going in the sea that they stay on the golf club side of the lifeguard station. Once you get swept around the point by the rip current there is no where to safely get to shore - particularly if there is large surf breaking onto the rocks. The safest thing to do is stay with your board or float on your back and signal for help to people on locks common. Someone will see you in trouble and contact the coastguard who will call the lifeboat. If you see someone in difficulties dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

The image below is specific to Rest Bay and particularly relevant if visiting the beach outside of lifeguarded hours.

When there is large surf or a strong current at Rest Bay inexperienced surfers, body boarders and swimmers may find the conditions at Sandy Bay (Coney Beach) more suited to their ability.

Rest Bay, Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay and Pink Bay are all patrolled by lifeguards during the school summer holidays between 10.30-18.00 Mon to Fri and 10.00-18.00 Sat and Sun.

Assist x3 Monday 20th August 2012

ASSIST x2 11.45 – 2 bodyboarders aged 10 and 12 were caught in the rip current near to the point on the outgoing tide. They were struggling to get back to the shore unaided. Nathan Evans paddled out on a rescue board and assisted them back to the beach.

ASSIST 18.45 - Lifeguards remained at beach from 18.00 onwards to provide a volunteer patrol. Due to the surf and big spring tide the current was particularly strong and conditions hazardous. The RWC was deployed to patrol the point area and keep all water users across on the golf club side of the lifeguard station. Despite our safety warnings given to a surfer on a number of occasions he eventually found himself in difficulties and requested assistance from the RWC. The RWC picked him up and transferred him across the bay on the rescue sled.

Duty Lifeguards: Nathan Evans, Gavin Davies, Lewis Campbell

RWC (jetski) Driver: Nathan Evans
Conditions at 11.45: Sunny Spells, light onshore wind, 2-3 foot surf

Conditions at 18.45: Sunny, light onshore wind, 4-5 foot surf

Assist x2 Tuesday 14th August 2012

ASSIST x2 18.45 – Club members involved in a IRB examination were alerted to 2 girl bodyboarders struggling in the rip current near to the point. The girls were making slow progress against the current and welcomed the offer of assistance from the IRB crews. Both the Rest Bay IRB and a Surf Lifesaving IRB were operating at the time and each IRB assisted a girl back to shore.

IRB Crew 1: Nathan Evans (Driver), Arran Bluck (Crew)

IRB Crew 2: Dan Castle (Driver), Kieran Bluck (Crew)
Conditions: Sunny, 4 foot clean surf

Assist Monday 13th August 2012

ASSIST 19.30 – Off duty lifeguards still present at the beach having just completed a lifeguard training session in the IRB and RWC spotted a boy being assisted by a bodyboarder struggling in the rip current near to the point. The IRB was relaunched and the boy picked up by the IRB crew and returned to the beach.

IRB Crew: Nathan Evans (Driver), Chris Page (crew)

Conditions: Hot and sunny, 3-4 foot surf

Medivac x2 Friday 10th August 2012

MEDIVAC (By Land Ambulance) 11.45 – A 65 year old lady tripped and fell in the paved area adjacent to lifeguard station. She fell awkwardly breaking bones in her arm whilst attempting to brace her fall. She was in considerable pain so an ambulance was called to transfer her to hospital.

MEDIVAC (By Land Ambulance) 14.45 – A lady fell in a hole that had been dug near to the slipway on the beach injuring her ankle in the process. She was in a lot of pain and it was suspected she may have broken her ankle. An ambulance was called top transfer her to hospital due to the pain she was in.

Duty Lifeguards: Chris Bluck, Rhys Brothers, Lewis Campbell (am), Chris Page (pm)

Conditions: Hot and sunny

Medivac Thursday 26th July 2012

MEDIVAC (By Land Ambulance) 15.00 – 12 year old girl sustained deep cuts to feet from glass with some glass still present within the cut. Lifeguards bandaged the affected area and an ambulance was called due to the nature of injury.  The casualty was in rocks near the point and required evacuation by stretcher due to the terrain. The local coastguard team also attended to provide assistance moving the casualty from their location to the land ambulance which transferred the girl to hospital.

Duty Lifeguards: Gavin Davies, Kieran Bluck, Martha Kane, Nathan Evans

Conditions: Hot and Sunny

Rescue Tuesday 24th July 2012

RESCUE 19.50 – Off duty lifeguards (some of whom had just updated their lifeguard qualification) became concerned for two surfers who were struggling in the current close to the point. They were making no headway and looked extremely tired. Arran ran down the beach with a rescue board and paddled out to them to reassure them that further assistance was on its way. The situation was monitored by Andy from rocks at the point and Chris from the common above the point. Nathan and Gavin manned the base ready to provide further assistance should it be required and contacted our Surf Rescue IRB which was exercising along the coastline. The IRB immediately returned to the area and took the two surfers onboard returning to the safety of the beach.

Off Duty Lifeguards Involved: Arran Bluck, Andy Morgan, Chris Page, Gavin Davies, Nathan Evans
Volunteer Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew: Richard Castle (Driver), Dan Castle (Crew)

Conditions: Hot and Sunny – 2-3 foot surf

Medivac (By Helimed 57) Sunday 22nd July 2012

MEDIVAC (By Air Ambulance) 11.20 – Elderly gentleman collapsed half way along boardwalk. Lifeguards were alerted and attended the scene. Patient moved to a more comfortable position and monitored whilst awaiting ambulance. Oxygen therapy given. Lifeguards contacted ambulance control and advised they thought air ambulance may be the most appropriate means of evacuation due to the inaccessibility of the location. On arrival of the land ambulance the crew confirmed this would be the best method to transfer the casualty and requested the air ambulance. Coastguard also assisted with the operation and secured a landing area on the golf course. The Wales Air Ambulance Helimed 57 based in Swansea was soon on scene and transferred the casualty to hospital.

Duty Lifeguards: Chris Page, Arran Bluck, Lewis Campbell

Volunteer & Junior Lifeguards Involved: Ian James, Aled James, Dan Castle

Conditions: Hot and Sunny

Rescue Friday 29th June 2012

RESCUE 17.40 – Surfer on hire board caught in rip current near point during outgoing tide. Despite PA warnings and safety signage the surfer was unable to return to shore unaided. Arran paddled to him using a rescue board and was able to assist the surfer and paddle out to deeper water. In the meantime Chris and Gavin launched the surf rescue IRB taking the casualty onboard from Arran. Arran was transferred to a safer area of the beach by the IRB crew and the surfer from London (part of a stag party) was brought back to the safety of the beach.

Duty Lifeguards: Andy Morgan, Rhys Brothers, Arran Bluck

Volunteer Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew: Chris Page (Driver), Gavin Davies (Crew)

Conditions: Overcast – 3-4 foot messy surf

Rescue Saturday 23rd June

RESCUE 11.45 – Bodyboarder in difficulties swept by rip current towards rocks at point during outgoing tide. Gavin Davies paddled to him on a rescue board securing the casualty on the board and returning him to the safety of the beach.

Duty Lifeguards: Chris Page, Gavin Davies, Lewis Campbell

Conditions: Overcast / Showers – 3-4 foot blown out messy surf