Dangerous rip currents nearly swept away several children swimming off the Gwynedd coastline, local reports confirm. Three men from the area sprang into action when the youngsters got into trouble at Tywyn's expansive sandy beach.
A regular beachgoer revealed that "four or five" children were rescued in separate incidents during the final days of last week's heatwave. The events have reignited demands for lifeguard services at a beach where rip currents are described as "not uncommon."
Rescuers Shocked by Incidents
Those who carried out the rescues said they were "shocked" by the sequence of incidents on Saturday, June 27. On social media, residents claimed that without their swift response, "we would be looking at another drowning."
One woman commented online: "Parents need to keep an eye on their children... sitting on the beach and oblivious to the danger their children were actually in." Another added: "Things could have gone very differently today!"
History of Tragedies
Tywyn's rip currents have caused numerous tragedies over the years. In July 2015, a 74-year-old grandfather died while trying to save two girls caught in a rip current. Richard Guest, a retired bank manager from Bethel, held onto one girl until a lifeboat arrived, but he did not survive. His daughter continues to campaign for the beach to be "properly lifeguarded."
Three years later, after three teenagers were airlifted to hospital following difficulties, a petition demanded lifeguards for the beach. It referenced a 2014 RNLI study highlighting the hazard of a rip current linked to a rock breakwater at the location.
Understanding Rip Currents
Rips are powerful currents flowing seaward that can quickly sweep people from shallow water into deeper areas. The RNLI explained: "They tend to flow at 1–2mph but can reach 4–5mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer."
Weather conditions at Tywyn beach last Saturday were fairly calm—tides, waves, and wind remained moderate. What unfolded afterward sparked demands for improved warning signs to prevent people from assuming it's safe when it isn't.
One woman said on social media: "It's a disgrace that children's lives are being put at risk to save the cost of a couple of signs."
Current Safety Measures
The beach features a small notice alerting visitors to rips, but residents want far more visible warnings. Red flags are displayed at Tywyn to indicate danger, but locals say the flags are consistently ignored as they are seldom removed.
RNLI lifeguards patrol more than 30 Welsh beaches, mostly in South Wales, though lifeguards work in Ceredigion and Denbighshire. Daily surveillance at Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches begins July 4 and runs until September 6, operating 10am-6pm daily.
Lifeguards vs. Beach Wardens
County councils bear responsibility for lifeguard provision. Tywyn Town Council has persistently urged Cyngor Gwynedd to provide resources. With a coastline spanning nearly 300km and dozens of beaches, the council's Maritime Service has taken a different approach.
A spokesperson said: "An annual and specific risk assessment is carried out for individual beaches which identifies relevant hazards as well as associated mitigation measures. The identified measures then form the basis of the beach management and safety arrangements along the coast."
Cyngor Gwynedd employs between 35-40 seasonal beach wardens who carry out a wide range of roles but do not include lifeguards. This approach is consistent with other local authorities in north west Wales.
The council added: "Cyngor Gwynedd continues to work closely with the RNLI and other agencies to promote safety on our beaches and along the coastline. This involves raising awareness of the inherent hazards that exist at seaside locations and encouraging visitors to our beaches to respect the environment, respect other beach users and take notice of relevant guidance and safety signage."
