THANK YOU!
Former lifeguard’s praise for rescuers after swim in sea turned to ‘terror’
AFORMER lifeguard has spoken of the “horrifying” day she and her friend nearly drowned while swimming off the coast of Anglesey before being rescued by a brave estate agent.
Tina Powsey was swimming off Benllech beach with her friend, Marget Kinnucane the weekend before last when the pair got caught in the strong current.
Austin Mellor, a 25-year old property expert from Stockport, was out walking in the area with his mum, who he was visiting for her birthday, when he spotted the women getting into difficulty.
Mrs Powsey managed to get back to dry land, but Ms Kinnucane was in serious danger.
When Mr Mellor realised one of the women was drowning and was in need of urgent help he sprang into action.
He immediately jumped into the sea, along with two others, and managed to get Ms Kinnucane to safety.
Detailing her account of the terrifying events that unfolded in a Facebook post Mrs Powsey said: “By the grace of God, we’re
alive. We both very much nearly lost our lives today on Benllech Beach in the sea… here’s an account of what happened.
“Mags and I wanted to go out for a little invigorating swim but neither of us realised how rapidly the tide and current moved us out and across.
“Before we knew it, our laughter turned to terror and we couldn’t touch the ground.
“I saw a young man across the road watching us and I motioned for him to help.
“He didn’t hesitate to climb across the rocks to help.
“My friend couldn’t regain her footing and was going under quickly.
“I managed to roll on my back and float and then began doing a backstroke.
“I panicked and then a massive peace washed over me for just enough time to control my erratic breathing and get to a point where I could stand.
“It was absolutely horrifying.
“I asked the young man if he could get my friend and he said yes, he was a strong swimmer.
“Thank God he was there – he literally saved her life.
“I couldn’t make it back out to her but he did. Two other young men quickly followed and they helped pull my friend to refuge on the rocks.
“I can’t get any of this out of my head and tears are falling as I write, but I’ve already read two crazy accounts of what happened and I just wanted to share the reality.
“The Coast Guard and ambulances/paramedics were amazing and we’ll never again take our sea for granted.
“Nightmares will follow, but we’re both alive by the grace of God and some brave young men who were there when we needed them!”