A real-life Baywatch family is set to patrol a Welsh beach this summer, with a father, son, and daughter volunteering as lifeguards to keep swimmers safe. Proud father Tom Owen, 52, signed up as a volunteer rescuer with the RNLI in 2022, and was soon joined by his competitive swimmer children. His son Cai, 19, became a lifeguard in 2023, and 17-year-old daughter Poppy has also since joined the team in north Pembrokeshire.
Family Bonding on the Beach
Tom said: "It's also lovely working alongside my kids, I'm really proud of what they have achieved, although I try not to embarrass them too much." Both Cai and Poppy were competitive swimmers, having raced at club and county level as juniors. Poppy, who joined the RNLI at age 16, is also an expert surfer and represented Wales at European tournaments three years in a row.
Tom added: "I first had the opportunity to work as a beach lifeguard for the local council in 1992 before the RNLI's lifeguard service was rolled out in 2008. My interest grew whilst in Australia so I spent a couple of summers out there volunteering mainly for surf lifesaving clubs. Joining the RNLI has always appealed to me and now that my children are old enough I took the opportunity to give it a go."
Oldest Team Member
Tom is the oldest member of the north Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguard team. He said: "My age was never a consideration of mine when applying for the beach lifeguard job. I've always enjoyed working in a team and having the opportunity to be outside on my local beaches is brilliant. It's hugely satisfying knowing I'm helping to keep others safe."
Cai shared a memorable moment: "My most memorable lifeguard shift with my dad was when we cycled to work together but on the way home my bike got a puncture. Dad cycled home and I had to walk back. But I really enjoy cycling to work in the summer with dad and to have the opportunity to be active and help others."
Poppy's Excitement
Poppy said: "I really enjoyed my first season working on the beaches last year and can't wait for this one to begin. I have already completed my lifeguard induction and just finished my A-levels. It's hopefully going to be a great summer working alongside my brother and dad and in a special year as the charity celebrates the 25th anniversary of RNLI lifeguards."
