HEROIC MUM TELLS OF SEA RESCUE DRAMA
CERI SAUNDERS was enjoying a weekend in Gower when she noticed that a 10-year-old boy had been swept out to sea.
The 45-year-old from Three Crosses then dived into the water and saved the boy from drowning.
Both she and the boy were airlifted to Morriston Hospital on Sunday, August 19, after emergency crews pulled the pair out of the water off Blue Pool, near Broughton Bay.
Now, having left hospital, she has described the events of that day.
She said: “I was camping with friends last weekend when we decided to take a walk to Blue Pool, we were watching the children jump in and I could see that there was also another family by the water.
“I could then see that a young boy was in trouble. My son, Aaron, attempted to rescue the child.
“He’s only 14 but he couldn’t help him as the current was too strong. I am so proud of him for what he did,” she said.
Mrs Saunders said she didn’t hesitate about jumping in, despite the danger to herself.
She added: “My son managed to get out of the water and I then jumped in, you just don’t think about these things, I couldn’t not jump in, it’s every parent’s worst nightmare and I wanted to help.
“I’ve done lifeguard training before and I am a strong swimmer.
“When I reached the boy I tried to tow him to safety but I couldn’t. I knew that we had to just float as using too much energy would make us tired, and fatigue is one of the reasons why people can drown.
“I just kept talking to him and he was just listening to me. When we parted I was just praying that the Coastguard and RNLI were on their way and that the boy was floating and that he wasn’t panicking.
“It felt like an eternity, it was one of the weirdest feelings, my legs felt like they were dropping. It was a frightening experience.”
The office manager suffered hypothermia and she is now hoping that signs will be put up in the area warning people of the dangers.
“I was put on a drip whilst at hospital and had a number of tests, but I’m happy to be home now and I feel better.
“The parents of the boy thanked me, it was emotional but we will remain in contact with each other.
“Me and the mother of the child both want to try and set up a campaign for more signs around Blue Pool warning people of the dangers. I don’t think people should be entering the water.
“Locals know about the dangers of the water off Blue Pool, but it’s a tourist attraction and everyone needs to be aware about this.”
Rhossili Coastguard described Sunday afternoon’s incident as “horrendous” and also 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.
“We urge people to be careful as the currents can be very strong and there’s no lifeguard around.”
After the incident Mrs Saunders said: “I am so grateful for everything the emergency services have done.
“I can’t thank them enough for all their hard work and for saving us.”