Watch: Porthcawl RNLI Rescue of Surfer Swept Out to Sea

A surfer was rescued by Porthcawl RNLI after being swept out to sea by a strong rip current at Rest Bay on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Ben Fraser, 30, from London and now living in South Wales, had only surfed the beach a few times and was unfamiliar with its powerful currents. He said: “I’ve only surfed a handful of times at Rest Bay so I’m not very familiar with the strength of the rips, especially at different states of the tide and in choppy swell. When I realised I was being pulled quite far out, I still thought I might be able to paddle myself out of the rip current.”

As he drifted south toward Hutchwns Point, Ben attempted to reach the rocks but realised it was too dangerous. “I attempted to get onto the rocks at the cliffs, but soon realised it was too dangerous and I was better off staying away from the cliffs with my surfboard. I noticed a dog walker on the coast path and thought I should probably take this opportunity to signal for help.”

The dog walker saw Ben’s signal and called 999 for the Coastguard.

Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew were already at the station for a training session when their pagers sounded at 7.32pm. Within minutes, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Rose of the Shires launched with Helm Gareth Collins and crew members Chris Page, Tom Ruddy and Alun Jenkins.

“Despite the strong winds gusting to force 7/8 and rough seas, we were able to get on scene quickly and soon spotted Ben off Hutchwns Point,” said Gareth. “He’d drifted over half a mile from the main bay. Ben did the right thing by not attempting again to get onto the rocks when he realised the danger. Instead, he stayed calm and remained with his board.”

Ben added: “I want to say a huge thank you to the lady that saw me wave and called 999 for the Coastguard, her quick thinking meant the lifeboat reached me before it was dark. Thank you also to the volunteer lifeboat crew.”

As lifeguard patrols end for the season, the RNLI is urging beachgoers to check local safety signs, tides and weather before entering the water, and never go alone.

If caught in a rip current:

• Don’t swim against it
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape
• If you can stand, wade instead of swimming
• Raise your hand and call for help

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

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