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RNLI warning over spring tides

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 12:19

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

The RNLI is warning coastal visitors to have a means of calling for help as large spring tides arrive during the May half-term holidays.

Footage has been released of two people being rescued by lifeboat after they were cut off beneath the cliffs near Southerndown earlier this month.

The RNLI sent out both of its lifeboats from Porthcawl at around 2.25pm on Sunday 11th May.

Chris Missen, helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Rose of the Shires, said: "The casualties weren’t local to the area and were unsure of their precise location. We had to get there quickly in order to locate them."

Thankfully, shortly after we arrived on scene and began searching from Ogmore Deeps – we spotted them below the cliffs near West Farm, Southerndown."

"The fact they had a means of calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard in this time critical rescue was a lifeline. They stayed where they were with some distance between themselves and the water whilst they waited for us to arrive."

Two volunteers from Rose of the Shires went ashore to provide the stranded pair with lifejackets and prepare them to be taken aboard the smaller D class lifeboat, once it could get closer to them in more shallow water.

Nathan Evans, helm of the Hugo Missen, said: "When we arrived on scene, I assessed the situation and made the decision that the safest way for us to rescue the casualties was using a manoeuvre known as veering."

"This involves slowly letting out line on the anchor and approaching the rocks beneath the cliffs astern (backwards). I manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside a small ledge from which the casualties could then safely step aboard with the help of the other crew members."

The pair were then transferred to the larger lifeboat before being taken back to shore.

Nathan added: "The Bristol Channel has the second largest tidal range in the world and it's easy to become cut off if you're not familiar with the area."

"If you’re visiting the coast, check conditions and tide times before you go using a trusted online source, such as the Met Office. Always carry a means to call for help such as a mobile phone. In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."

Sarah Lewis, from the RNLI Water Safety Team said: "Being either on or near the water can be an amazing experience and creates incredible memories, please just take a few steps to ensure you can step out with confidence."

"We recently shared the results from a Bangor University survey looking into tidal knowledge awareness in the UK and we know that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge."

"This time of year we expect numbers of people visiting the coast to increase, especially during school holidays and sunny weather. With large spring tides forecast this week, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and areas not normally known for tidal cut off may see incidents occur."

"Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of staying safe and checking the weather and tide times. If you can’t interpret the tide timetable, always seek local advice and stay alert."

"It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, this is why it’s important to always check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely."

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