Moment off-duty RNLI lifeguard strips to his PANTS to save a swimmer struggling in the sea in Storm Boelo
An off-duty RNLI lifeguard helped rescue a swimmer struggling in rough seas at Langland Bay, near Swansea, during Storm Boelo. Ryder Taylor and his girlfriend Ava raised the alarm; Taylor then took a rescue board into the water, where surfer Chris French had already pulled the swimmer onto his board. The incident highlights the role of trained locals in coastal rescues, particularly when beaches are not lifeguarded.
Taylor, 25, was walking with Ava, 21, when they spotted the swimmer. An RNLI supervisor said there are no RNLI-lifeguarded beaches along the Swansea coastline and urged visitors to check tides and weather. Storm Boelo brought gusts of 60 to 70mph and caused deaths and power cuts across the UK; safety advice includes carrying a charged phone and floating on your back if in difficulty.
In short
- An off-duty lifeguard and a surfer helped bring a swimmer safely ashore.
- Storm Boelo brought gusts of up to 70mph.
- Visitors to the coast are urged to check tides and weather.
Explained simply
Langland Bay is on the Gower coast near Swansea, where conditions at sea can change with the weather and tide. RNLI lifeguards patrol some beaches at set times, but the Swansea coastline has no beaches covered by RNLI lifeguards.
In an emergency, people nearby may raise the alarm and help until trained rescuers arrive, though entering rough water can put them at risk too. Storms can bring strong winds and hazardous seas, so checking local conditions before going into the water is important.