Sunset rescue for Cardiff students 

As term ended, Cardiff Metropolitan university students Alex and George were looking for an afternoon’s adventure. In less than 20 minutes, a short train trip had put the pair on Penarth’s picturesque pebble beach. 

“It’s a simple trip out of town to get to Penarth. It was a sunny day, and our plan was to walk from one end down to the pier and back,” says George, a 19-year-old student from Telford in Shropshire.  

Wearing waterproofs, hiking gear and boots, the two friends made their way along the beach at late afternoon while taking in the sunset. But three quarters down the coastline, they discovered that tide was moving faster than they could.   

“It had started to come in completely and we knew we were getting cut off, but we thought we could make it to the other side. We ran back down the beach, but the high cliffs were trapping us from getting off. 

“We were stressing as it was getting dark, and the tide just came in so quickly. At times, we were having to scale the cliff face, and it wasn’t stable. We didn’t have a chance. If we’d have entered the water to swim for safety, there’d be nowhere we could go. I just said ‘this is it’ and dialled 999."

Max Hawkins, Team Leader at Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), remembered George’s call. He said: “George did exactly the right thing by calling for emergency help as soon as he needed it. 

“When people are stuck or in trouble at the coast or in the water, they need to dial 999 and ask for coastguard. Asking for the coastguard at the start of a 999 call ensures that the information provided goes straight to the right emergency service.” 

In George’s case, the coastguard was able to identify his position via the 999 call.  He said: “Obviously, the coastguard needed to know where we were but I had no idea – there were no immediate landmarks. We were in the middle of nowhere on a remote beach and it was dark."

Luckily, George had a smartphone app that he used to share his coordinates with Max’s team. The response was swift, and in a few moments coastguards reassured George that a rescue team was being assembled. 

“It was really quick,” says George. “I think I had about three calls with the coastguard who kept updating me with a plan. They called back again to let me know that a lifeboat was coming too.” 

Spotting the RNLI lifeboat in the distance, George and Alex put their smartphone lights on and started waving. The lifeboat saw the pair and quickly took them to safety.  

Speaking about wisdoms learned, George said: "If you’re going to go out on the coast, make sure you check the tide times for the area too – it’s something I’m very much aware of now.” 

Coastal trip must-do's from Max Hawkins, Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre 

• Check the tide times for the areas you visit before you embark on walks or activity at the coast.
• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone. If you’re going in the water, put it in a waterproof case.
• Look at the geography – could you be trapped or caught out by cliffs or inaccessible areas? Avoid mud and rocks. Keep clear of cliff bases.
• Consider geolocating apps, which can provide an accurate location and whereabouts for use by emergency services.
• If you’re in an unfamiliar area, tell a friend where you’re going and when you think you’ll be back. They could raise the alarm if you don’t return.