### Coastguard Issues Warning to Paddleboarders After Surge in Gower Sea Rescues
Authorities are urging paddleboarders and beachgoers to take greater care around the Welsh coastline after a hectic weekend saw multiple emergency callouts along the Gower Peninsula. Lifeboat crews covering several of Wales’ most frequented beaches—among them Llangennith, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay—responded to three separate incidents within a space of four hours on Saturday, underscoring the potential dangers faced even in seemingly calm conditions.
The incidents included dramatic rescues of swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, and the urgent attention required for an intoxicated individual who had fallen on the beach. Significantly, one of the more serious events involved two paddleboarders without lifejackets who became immobilised by a strong riptide, drawing them steadily out to sea. Such close calls have prompted renewed appeals from the Coastguard and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for coastal visitors to take necessary precautions before venturing into the water.
A spokesperson from the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat Station described the intensive Saturday operation: “On May 10th, our team was called to action three times in under four hours to assist people in various degrees of difficulty.” The first emergency launch, just after 4pm, involved a report that two people had been cut off by the tide at the iconic Worms Head near Rhossili. Upon arrival, lifeboat volunteers confirmed with local fishermen that all were accounted for and that the previously believed stranded parties had already managed to return safely ashore.
Not long after this, events escalated at Oxwich Bay when two paddleboarders, both women, found themselves unable to negotiate a strong tidal current at Oxwich Point. Fortunately, two kayakers in the vicinity managed to tow the paddleboarders into safer waters, where lifeboat crews then assumed responsibility, towing one back to the beach, while the other managed to paddle herself to safety. Notably, neither of the paddleboarders had been wearing a lifejacket at the time.
The string of emergencies continued shortly thereafter with a report of a man who had suffered a head injury following a fall on Oxwich beach. Indications were that alcohol had played a role in the accident. Lifeboat and coastguard teams attended the scene, though police ultimately took the lead in managing the situation.
In the wake of these recurrent incidents, Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Horton and Port Eynon, highlighted several key safety measures for all water users, particularly paddleboarders. “It’s essential to wear a buoyancy aid and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case,” advised Grove. He went on to urge paddleboarders to attach themselves to their boards with the correct leash, and recommended not going out alone, both for safety and enjoyment.
Grove, echoing the central message of the day, reminded the public that weather and sea conditions can shift rapidly. “Check conditions carefully before you go out, particularly if you’re new to watersports. Tell somebody your plans and when you expect to return. Always dress for the season to avoid exposure,” he said.
Safety experts also reinforced the message that, should anyone encounter difficulty or witness an incident along the coast, they should immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Preparedness and rapid response can prove life-saving, particularly in rapidly changing sea conditions.
The weekend’s events serve as a strong reminder of the unpredictable power of the sea, even in areas popular with families and recreational users. While enjoying Wales’ stunning coastal scenery is a treasured pastime, both visitors and regulars are urged to respect the risks and act with caution.
With summer approaching and beach attendance likely to increase, local authorities, including the RNLI and Coastguard volunteers, continue to advocate for heightened awareness, sufficient preparation, and responsible behaviour to prevent further accidents and rescues on the Welsh coast.