Rhyl lifesavers spend weekend shepherding more than 260 people to safety

With many RNLI lifeguards shielding due to Covid, volunteer lifeboat crew and volunteer coastguard teams were requested by the RNLI to assist on the beach at Rhyl

The beach was packed with families enjoying the baking weather.

More than 260 people were assisted ashore, or were informed that the tide was filling in the gullies between the sandbanks, resulting in a stretch of water up to one metre deep between the sandbank and the shore.

Rescue agencies on Rhyl beach. Picture: RNLI/Paul Frost MBE

People were safely supervised back to the shore until all the sandbanks were recovered.

Martin Jones, RNLI coxswain, said: "As a result of the close co-operation of the RNLI lifeguards; RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew both at sea and on shore; and also the volunteer coastguards; we were able to prevent any potential incidents arising. We are happy that the days proved to be major event free, and everyone on the beach could enjoy the glorious sands and weather at Rhyl'.

"The RNLI lifeguards did a great job in advising the public to swim between the flags on a lifeguard-supervised beach, and we were happy to assist."

Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team posted on Facebook on July 18: "Another busy afternoon working alongside RNLI Lifeguards North Wales and RNLI Rhyl.

"Multiple persons stuck on sand banks and cut off by the tide.

"Teams worked together tirelessly to ensure safety advice was given, and at least two children were rescued by Coastguard Rescue Officers from Rhyl, as their parents were struggling to get them ashore safely through the banks.

"We also assisted a young female with minor First Aid after sustaining a cut foot on the beach."