Freshwater West RNLI lifeguards rescued a father and son after a Pembrokeshire beach rescue rip current pulled them out to sea at around 1.15pm on Saturday, September 5. Fin reached the son on a rescue board and brought him safely back towards shore.
The pair were spotted in difficulty by Jed and Fin, who grabbed their rescue boards and entered the water. Oly, the senior beach lifeguard, and off-duty lifeguard Willem launched the rescue water craft to help in large swell and difficult conditions.
Carl Amos on Freshwater West
Carl Amos said, "This was a remarkable team effort and a fitting example of the professionalism, skill, and dedication shown by our lifeguards throughout the 2026 season." He said, "Conditions at Freshwater West can be challenging, with large surf, strong rip currents, and powerful waves creating significant hazards for water users."
Amos also said, "Our lifeguards responded to multiple incidents in quick succession, helping four people and preventing what could have been a tragic outcome." He added, "If you see someone in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Wales patrols ending
The rescue happened during the final weekend of full-time lifeguard patrols in Wales. On the same day, Oly later cut free a spearfisher whose line had become entangled on a reef beneath the water, and Oly and Fin rescued a stranded kayaker and brought them safely back to shore.
For beach users, the immediate takeaway is simple: Freshwater West can change fast, and a rip current can move people offshore before they regain footing. If trouble starts in the water, the instruction from RNLI lifeguards is to float to live and call 999 for the Coastguard if someone else is in danger.
