An experienced surfer had to be saved from rough seas by the RNLI after a rip current pulled him more than half a mile away from the shore.
Video shows the crew from Porthcawl in South Wales racing to the scene to pull Ben Fraser from the water.
The 30-year-old had become stranded in choppy waters and gale-force winds when he was spotted by a dogwalker, who then called 999.
Mr Fraser has been surfing for 15 years but said he was not familiar with the strength of the rip current and found himself unable to paddle to safety.
He was pulled further and further from the main bay, leaving him no choice but to signal for help.
Luckily, he was found off Hutchwns Point and hauled on board by the lifeboat’s crew.
“I attempted to get onto the rocks at the cliffs, but soon realised it was too dangerous,” said Mr Fraser.
“Although I felt pretty calm, I knew I couldn’t get back to the beach myself and that the light was fading fast, which might have made it harder for people to spot me or for the lifeboat to find me.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the lady that saw me wave and called 999 for the Coastguard, her quick thinking meant the lifeboat reached me before it was dark.”
Gareth Collins, of Porthcawl RNLI, said the teams “rescue people without judgement” and the incident shows even those with lots of experience in the water might need help one day.
The RNLI advises people caught in a rip current to do the following:
- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
- If you can stand, wade instead of swimming
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
- Always raise your hand and shout for help
