Samuel Kassu almost drowned at Mumbles Head in Swansea after being cut off by the tide during a holiday from London. He credits his bright yellow t-shirt as a key reason he survived.
How the Incident Unfolded
On a day in August 2024, Kassu visited the lighthouse at low tide. He entered the water thinking it was neck-height but soon found himself in difficulty. The tide was strong, and he was swept into deeper water. He remembered an RNLI 'float to live' technique and tried to stay calm.
An off-duty RNLI volunteer, Bob Morgan, was watching an ABBA tribute band at the pier when he spotted Kassu on the furthest island. Both causeways were flooded. Morgan saw Kassu enter the water and then his feet swept from under him. He called 999 and alerted HM Coastguard.
The Rescue
Morgan's crew pager sounded, and he ran to open the boathouse. Jack Cawsey Williams, Rhys John, and Henry Best manned the inshore lifeboat and launched quickly. Meanwhile, Kassu floated on his back for about 20 minutes, fearing no one would come. The lifeboat crew initially struggled to locate him because he was floating flat, but his bright yellow shirt made him visible.
Kassu said: 'When the lifeboat came, they couldn’t locate me straight away because I was floating flat on my back. The boat was noisy, so it was difficult for them to hear me shouting. But luckily, I was wearing a bright yellow shirt.'
Aftermath and Warnings
The crew lifted him to safety. Kassu said he felt panic only when asked if he was okay. He was checked by medics and released. The trauma hit him later, causing sleeplessness. Morgan noted the tide was incoming, so Kassu floated towards the bay. If it had been outgoing, he would have disappeared behind the island.
Morgan said: 'He was very lucky... It’s important to always check the tide times before you venture out. If you're unsure, seek local advice. If you do get into difficulty in the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. And remember: Float to Live.'
Kassu added: 'Don’t ignore signs – they are there for a reason. The tide is so strong, and the sea is so powerful. I want to thank the RNLI crews for being wonderful and supportive and rescuing me.'
