Lifeguards on one of Gower’s most popular beaches rescued an unresponsive woman from a rip tide.
RNLI lifesavers spotted the woman struggling to swim at Langland in Swansea in the strong current against powerful waves shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday evening, July 25.
She was approximately 150 metres from the shore and caught in a large swell which was pulling people out to sea.
The lifeguards had already replaced the red and yellow flags with red flags, indicating it was no longer safe to enter the water.
Lifeguard supervisor Tom John entered the water and said she was unresponsive. The woman, who had swallowed a lot of sea water, was treated at the shore, before being taken to hospital.
Her condition is not known.
Why this idyllic and popular natural Gower pool is so dangerous right now
Tom John said: “We don’t usually get a large swell like this during the summer months, and it has caused strong currents that can take swimmers by surprise.
“We advise the public not to enter the water when the red flags are flying, as it is too dangerous, and can lead to serious incidents.”
Four RNLI lifeguards, plus another who joined them from Caswell Bay, stayed on Langland for two hours after their shifts completed to continue their work on what was hottest and busiest day of the year so far.
And between 6.45pm and 7.45pm they assisted four members of the public who were getting into difficulty in the sea.
With the forecast promising more good weather this weekend, people are advised to visit one of the 240 RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the UK. To find the nearest beach visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
