A SWIMMER whose life was saved five years ago by the New Quay RNLI lifeboat is backing the campaign to save the station’s all-weather vessel.

The RNLI recently announced a review of its services around the Cardigan Bay area, including its plan to replace the ageing all-weather Mersey-class boat at the New Quay station with an Atlantic-class inshore boat, rather than a new Shannon-class all-weather boat.

That has sparked a storm of protest and a petition opposing the move has been launched, already attracting nearly 5,000 signatures, with those behind the move arguing that the loss of the all-weather boat would leave the whole of the Ceredigion coastline without suitable cover.

The Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign – Save New Quay Lifeboat has now been contacted by Joshua Ryan Balla, whose life was saved back in 2012 and is now supporting the campaign.

Mr Balla was swept out to sea at Cwmtydu in September 2012. Launching in Force 7 conditions, the lifeboat was met by four metre waves and breaking surf before successfully locating and recovering him.

A video of Mr Balla’s rescue was recently posted on social media and he got in touch with campaigners to say: "That was me. I'm so grateful to the RNLI and would be so disappointed if they lost their all-weather boat at New Quay. Please sign the petition and share it across social media.

“Had I not been saved by the RNLI that day I would not have gotten married, lived in Iceland for a couple of years or have my two precious and wonderful children. Thank you."

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake has voiced his concerns over the loss of the all-weather boat and is scheduled to meet senior RNLI officials next month.

An RNLI spokesman said: “The decision to replace the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay was underpinned by extensive research of records going back to 2008. It concluded that services by New Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat could have been carried out safely and effectively by an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, supported by 25-knot lifeboats at neighbouring stations if required.

“We understand that this decision will be difficult for New Quay lifeboat station, however we are confident that this is the best rescue asset to service this stretch of coast as we look to the future in Cardigan Bay.”

To sign the petition, go to https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-shannon-class-lifeboat-at-new-quay