**Couple Credits Simple Beach Safety Tip for Saving Their Lives After Dramatic Sea Rescue in Ceredigion**
A relaxing day by the coast nearly turned tragic for one couple visiting Borth Beach, Ceredigion, who found themselves swept away by a powerful rip current. Katie Laurie and Will Peckham, now keen advocates for water safety, say they only survived their ordeal thanks to remembering a simple piece of advice displayed on a seaside safety poster.
The incident occurred in 2022, but the couple have come forward as summer returns to draw attention to essential sea safety messages. According to the pair, what began as a routine outing quickly spiralled into a life-threatening situation after a rogue wave knocked them off their feet. Before they knew it, the forceful riptide had dragged them an estimated 40 metres from the shore and out beyond their depth.
Katie described the terrifying experience, saying, “The current was relentless. Each time I managed to surface, another wave would crash over me and force me below again. It felt like we were trapped in a giant washing machine, constantly struggling just to catch our breath.” Despite their efforts to swim back, the situation became increasingly dire as exhaustion set in, leaving the couple desperate and scared for their lives.
As panic threatened to take over, Katie’s mind turned to survival. She explained that in a crucial moment, she recalled a beachside poster about the “Float to Live” campaign—guidance issued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). She quickly urged Will to adopt the floating technique alongside her. Miraculously, this pause to float allowed them to conserve energy and breathe, keeping them afloat until RNLI lifeguards managed to reach them.
“The truth is, I was struggling to keep treading water. I felt my energy running out and I genuinely feared for my life,” Katie admitted. “But then it struck me that I’d seen this simple message—float to live—right at the beach entrance. Whoever put that sign there, they saved us that day.”
When the lifeguards arrived, they too faced difficulty battling the rough sea conditions. Katie confessed that she worried what might happen if they couldn’t reach her. “By the time I was pulled from the water,” she said, “I could barely stand without assistance. Floating truly gave me the extra time I needed to survive until help arrived. I honestly don’t think I could have lasted otherwise.”
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the RNLI’s safety campaign. Ahead of the busy summer season, the charity is urges beachgoers to familiarise themselves with the Float to Live technique. Alarmingly, a recent survey revealed that while 84% of people in Wales plan to head to the coast this summer, nearly three-quarters would not try floating as their first response if they were to get into difficulty in the water.
Tirion Dowsett, an RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Officer, highlighted the significance of Katie and Will’s story, stating, “Their experience underlines just how effective the Float to Live advice can be. Becoming familiar with how your body floats, whether in a pool or at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, could be life-saving. Everyone’s body floats a little differently, so practising in a safe, controlled environment is vital.”
The RNLI advises that if you find yourself struggling in open water, you should tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax your body, try to breathe calmly and move your arms and legs gently. It’s perfectly normal if your legs sink as all bodies float differently. The RNLI also emphasises that bystanders should not attempt rescues themselves, but rather encourage the person to float and immediately call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.
With volunteer crews on call around the clock, the RNLI continues to respond to emergencies, but they stress that individual awareness and preparation can make a crucial difference.
As Katie and Will’s dramatic ordeal shows, paying attention to lifesaving advice—and acting on it in moments of crisis—can turn a potential tragedy into a story of survival and hope. Their message to others is clear: take a moment to learn what to do before you dip your toes into the unpredictable sea. It might just save your life.