**Pair Spark Outrage After Ignoring Safety Warnings at Anglesey Beach and Prompting Lifeboat Rescue**
A pair of water users have faced sharp public criticism after they dismissed safety advice and found themselves in need of rescue off the coast of Anglesey. The incident unfolded at Benllech beach, where two individuals braved adverse weather conditions on a paddleboard and a kayak, disregarding repeated warnings from lifeboat staff.
According to Moelfre Lifeboat, one of their crew members had approached the duo ahead of their venture onto the water, urging caution in light of strong winds gusting up to 30 knots—a dangerous scenario for any small craft. Their guidance, however, was roundly ignored. The pair were not equipped with even basic safety measures: no life jackets, buoyancy aids, or any method of calling for help.
Their decision soon led to a worrying scenario when both fell from their respective crafts, approximately 200 metres from the shore, unable to get back on or signal for help directly. The episode did not go unnoticed. Onlookers, including off-duty lifeboat staff nearby, quickly realised the gravity of the situation and sounded the alarm.
Moelfre’s inshore lifeboat responded rapidly, launching within five minutes of being tasked. The initial emergency call had been made by the Lifeboat Operations Manager, who happened to be walking his dog at the time and witnessed the precarious scene unfold. Additional calls to the Coastguard from other beachgoers underscored the mounting concern from those on shore.
In a twist that further complicated the rescue, a bystander from the beach entered the water in a bid to help the two struggling individuals. This act of goodwill, while successful in this instance, has drawn a stern word of caution from emergency services, who consistently urge members of the public not to endanger themselves but to contact response teams at the earliest sign of trouble.
The lifeboat crew arrived to see all three emerging safely from the water. The rescue team promptly issued pointed safety advice, highlighting the risks associated with venturing out in poor conditions without appropriate gear or a means to communicate. None in the group had been wearing life jackets or carrying any equipment that could have been used to attract attention if further out at sea.
Vince Jones, the full-time Coxswain and Helm for the rescue operation, later reiterated the importance of adhering to expert advice. “Our team member tried to warn them about the weather, but they chose not to listen. They were lucky today — their situation could have rapidly become much more serious,” he said. He also emphasised that it is always safer to call for trained help rather than putting additional lives at risk.
The incident has elicited strong reactions on social media, where many have voiced frustration and concern over the disregard for basic safety measures. “To go out without a buoyancy aid or a way to call for help is nothing short of reckless,” one commenter wrote, echoing sentiments shared by many. Several also noted this was far from an isolated incident, with others having witnessed families and children on paddleboards without life jackets.
Beach and water safety remain pressing concerns, particularly during peak visitor periods on the Welsh coast. The RNLI and Coastguard services have renewed their calls for beachgoers to properly assess conditions, heed local advice, and always ensure they are properly equipped before venturing out onto open water — no matter their level of experience.
As the story continues to circulate, it serves as a timely reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the critical importance of respecting both its power and those who endeavour to keep others safe.