Warning as windsurfer rescued in force four winds in emergency off Welsh coast
A windsurfer who got into difficulties in hugh winds in the sea off the Welsh coast was rescued by a lifeboat crew. Members of Horton and Port Eynon RNLI Lifeboat rescues were just returning from a training exercise when they were approached by a number of windsurfers who were concerned about a windsurfer who they thought was in difficulty in the sea at Port Eynon Bay.
The lifeboat was immediately re-launched and made a search of the bay. The crew saw a windsurfer waving at them clearly trying to draw their attention.
When they made their way to him they spotted another person in the sea close by. He was wearing a wetsuit and was almost 400 metres offshore. He had been separated from his windsurfer. The man was taken on board the lifeboat and taken back to shore.
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In a statement the crew said: "The wind was blowing at force four and there was a one metre swell. Had the windsurfer, close to the man in the water, not drawn the crews attention it would have extremely difficult to have spotted the man in the water."
The lifeboat was launched again shortly after 4pm. when information was received of a kitesurfer in difficulty. A search of the area was made but no kitesurfer could be found.
Lawrie Grove, the lifeboat perations manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station urged windsurfers to take care, pay attention to weather conditions and take a mobile phone to call for help.
He said: 'We want people to have fun when heading out on the water, however incidents can happen even for the most experienced water users.
"When going windsurfing always carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
"In the event of an emergency, if possible stay with your equipment, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
"Weather conditions, particularly offshore winds and strong tidal currents can make it more difficult or even impossible to return to the shore, so it is really important to check the forecast and tide times before you head out.
"Remember to wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid or personal floatation device as this will help you float if you end up in the water unexpectedly."
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