‘OUR BEST ADVICE? STAY AWAY’
HOW COASTGUARDS WERE KEPT BUSY BY STORM-CHASERS AS MASSIVE WAVES HIT: PAGE 3
A COASTGUARD has revealed how volunteers were kept busy just trying to keep thrill-seekers away from mountainous waves when Storm Brian hit Wales.
Mark Williams, from Porthcawl, said the volunteer coastguard teams were called out twice as winds peaked at more than 60mph.
In both cases, the people involved managed to get back to shore safely and without the need for assistance.
But he has warned them and others who stood where enormous waves broke over the pier to exercise more care during hazardous weather conditions in the future.
“We were down there all day just trying to stop people going on the pier,” Mark said.
“People don’t really know what the sea can do. It’s not just the waves that come over, but also the debris (they bring). The best advice is to stay away.”
On Saturday, the RNLI station in Porthcawl recorded a top wind speed of 66mph at 2.56pm.
Mark said coastguards were alerted to a surfer in the water during the afternoon.
“There was an alert and we were tasked because we thought he was in danger, but thankfully he managed to get back out of the water himself,” he said.
“And at low tide there were swimmers going into the sea when the tide was right out. But they all got to safety themselves. They weren’t in any trouble.
“Coastwatch saw them and raised the alarm.”
Coastwatch is a voluntary organisation which keeps watch from a lookout tower in Porthcawl.
Matt Crofts, RNLI lifesaving manager, said: “Severe weather could make our seas particularly dangerous and unpredictable, with large waves and swells being a major risk.
“Stormy conditions may be tempting to watch, but big waves can easily knock you off your feet. The sea is far more powerful than you think and your chances of survival are slim if you are dragged into the swell.
“We understand why people want to experience extreme weather, but it’s not worth risking your life, so we strongly urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.
“If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t enter the water yourself.”