Port Talbot RNLI in multi-agency callout to swimmer suffering medical episode

On a stunning spring evening, whilst the beach was still busy with people enjoying the sunshine and warming sea, Port Talbot RNLI were requested to launch by HM Coastguard to reports of a person in difficulty in the water.

Also tasked were Port Talbot Coastguard and South Wales Ambulance service. All emergency services responded quickly working in unison with Port Talbot RNLI.

Volunteer crew dropped everything to the sound of their pagers, despite it being a Saturday evening making their way promptly but safely to the station.

Once on station the well practised launch drill meant that everyone from crew, to shore crew, to launch vehicle driver, launch authorities and head launcher slickly worked in perfect harmony to swiftly launch the D-Class Inshore lifeboat, 'Craig Morris'.

The volunteer crew safely made best speed the short distance to the reported position.

Once on scene, the crew established that the casualty had already been retrieved from the sea and was in the hands of our Coastguard and Ambulance colleagues, with our volunteer crew standing by on the beach should their casualty care skills be required.

Every crew member is trained to a high level of casualty care, with the inshore lifeboat carrying all essential kit to deal with any medical emergencies. Fortunately on this occasion their well honed skills weren't required.

With the casualty in the safe hands of the next level of care, our crew were stood down, returned to their launch site to be greeted by shore crew and launch vehicle driver, where the inshore lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and washed down in readiness for the next service call.

Special thanks to launch authority and head launcher Rachel Thomas for taking the photos.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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