Holidaying in Wales almost took a tragic turn for Samuel Kassu after he was cut off by the tide at Mumbles Head. Venturing near the lighthouse at low tide, Samuel found himself in imminent danger, neck-deep in water, and struggling to stay afloat. Alone and without having informed anyone of his whereabouts, his predicament could have gone unnoticed.
Fortunately, off-duty RNLI volunteer Bob Morgan, enjoying an ABBA tribute band nearby, spotted Samuel in distress. Bob quickly realised something was amiss when he saw Samuel trying to wade through the flooded causeways and being swept off his feet.
Acting fast, Bob called 999 and alerted the Coastguard while instructing others to keep an eye on the situation. As the RNLI crew launched into action, Samuel relied on the ‘float to live’ technique he’d learned from YouTube, battling exhaustion and fear. He remembers: “I tried to focus on floating and breathing, hoping help would arrive.”
Despite the noise of the lifeboat making it tough for the crew to locate him immediately, Samuel’s bright yellow t-shirt played a crucial role in his rescue. Finally lifted to safety by the crew, the reality of his near-death experience set in as he shivered under cosy blankets at the lifeboat station.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Samuel is filled with gratitude for the swift actions of the RNLI team. Bob Morgan shared, “Samuel was incredibly lucky. An incoming tide carried him towards safety. If the tide had been going out, we might not have been so fortunate.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder to always check tide times, and tell someone your plans while exploring coastal areas. As Samuel urges, “Don’t ignore safety signs. The sea is powerful and unpredictable. I’m so thankful to the RNLI for their amazing rescue.”
Stay safe by the sea: ‘Float to Live’ and always dial 999 for the Coastguard in an emergency. 🌊🚨