Woman hailed after rescuing boy swept out to sea

A WOMAN saved a young boy from drowning after strong currents swept the child out to sea in Gower .

The boy and woman were both airlifted to Morriston Hospital after emergency crews pulled the pair out of the water off Blue Pool near Broughton.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said the woman involved was in a separate group, but bravely entered the water to help the boy who was apparently “washed off the rocks into the deep surrounding water”.

“We were tasked to a report of a child and an adult in difficulties off Blue Pool near Broughton,” said the spokesman.

“The female kept the boy afloat for around 10 minutes before the pair were parted. Both Burry Port RNLI lifeboats, Tenby RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 were also tasked.

“Both casualties were pulled from the water by Burry Port lifeboat, and landed on the beach to the waiting Coastguard team.

“Rescue 187 soon arrived and took both casualties and the boy’s mother to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. The lady involved was in a separate group but bravely entered the water to assist the boy.”

It is believed that the young boy was around 10 years old.

Rhossili Coastguard described Sunday afternoon’s incident as “horrendous” and urged people to be cautious before entering Blue Pool.

A spokesman for the Coastguard added: “It was horrendous, the boy was very lucky, if it wasn’t for the woman then it could have been a different story. Blue pool is a wellknown place, but we urge people to be careful and cautious before entering the water as the currents can be very strong and there’s no lifeguard around. We have had several calls recently with people getting into difficulties.”

Burry Port RNLI crews confirmed that the woman had swallowed water and was suffering from hypothermia.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: “Grateful thanks to all concerned, as this could have easily become a really serious incident.”