An experienced surfer had to be rescued from rough seas by the RNLI after a rip current pulled him more than half a mile away from the shore. Video footage captured the crew from Porthcawl in South Wales rushing to the scene to rescue Ben Fraser from the water.
The 30-year-old surfer had found himself stranded in choppy waters and faced with gale-force winds when he was spotted by a dog walker, who promptly dialed 999 for help. Despite having 15 years of surfing experience, Mr. Fraser admitted he was not prepared for the strength of the rip current, which left him unable to paddle back to safety. As he was gradually pulled further away from the main bay, he had no choice but to signal for assistance.
Fortunately, he was located off Hutchwns Point and subsequently pulled aboard the lifeboat by the crew. Reflecting on the incident, Mr. Fraser shared, «I attempted to reach the rocks at the cliffs, but soon realized it was too treacherous. Although I remained relatively calm, I knew I couldn’t make it back to the beach on my own, especially with the fading light potentially complicating the rescue efforts. I am immensely grateful to the lady who spotted me waving and promptly called 999 for the Coastguard; her swift actions ensured the lifeboat reached me before nightfall.»
Gareth Collins of Porthcawl RNLI emphasized that their teams rescue individuals without passing judgment, highlighting that even seasoned water enthusiasts may require assistance at some point. The RNLI offers the following advice for those caught in a rip current:
– Don’t attempt to swim against the current as it will lead to exhaustion.
– If possible, wade instead of swimming.
– Swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the rip current, then head towards the shore.
– Always raise your hand and call out for help.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and the potential dangers posed by rip currents, even to experienced surfers like Mr. Fraser. It underscores the vital role that organizations like the RNLI play in ensuring the safety of individuals in distress at sea.
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