Emergency sirens sounded on the North Wales coast when a beachgoer became trapped in sinking sand with the tide coming in.
By the time help arrived at Rhyl beach, Denbighshire, the woman was up to her waist in water.
Rhyl’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to the scene at 9pm on Friday evening May 29. The woman was reported to be stranded in soft sand off Splash Point in the resort.
An RNLI Rhyl spokesperson said: “The inshore lifeboat was launched within minutes. Once arrived on scene, the crew found the casualty to be trapped in the sand with the incoming tide now around their waist.
“The lifeboat was brought alongside the casualty and crew put them in a lifejacket. A crewmember supported the casualty on their back, which popped their feet out of the sand.
“The casualty was recovered into the inshore lifeboat, and brought back to the lifeboat station for a check-over and warm up. Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to the incident.”
Quick to thank the RNLI crew, on social media, was the woman’s mum from Rhyl. Another person added: “Thank you so very much for saving a very special lady.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
An RNLI rescue team spot the woman in the water(Image: RNLI Rhyl)
People stuck in soft sand are advised to remain calm and not struggle as this can worsen the problem. While leaning back to distribute your weight, gently wiggling your legs can let water loosen the sand’s suction.
Stranded jetskiers
Meanwhile, RNLI Holyhead responded to its fourth shout of the half-term break when two jetskiers became stuck on sandbanks near Traeth Penrhos beach.
Initial reports suggested one jetskier might be injured. Other information indicated they were in fact stranded near the Stanley Embankment ( Valley Cob).
Heading to Traeth Penrhos, RNLI Holyhead’s inshore boat was joined by local cliff rescue teams.
Traeth Penrhos beach at Holyhead(Image: Ian Greig/Wiki)
An RNLI spokesperson said: “On reaching the location, it was found that there were two jetskiers, and no injuries.
“The casualties had been stuck on sandbanks – however they had managed to refloat and were starting to head back to Llanfwrog (also known as Sandy Beach) where they had come from.
“Suitable safety advice was given, and the casualties then headed back to Llanfwrog, where they were being met by the Holyhead volunteer Coastguard team.”
RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station said water sports enthusiasts should always wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid. They should also have a means of calling for help.
The station added: “We’d like to remind everyone to be aware of the tides and layout of our local waters – it can be very difficult to judge the depth of water in certain locations.”