TWO RNLI lifeguards who risked their own lives to save a father and son who had got into trouble at Tresaith beach have been praised.

The alarm was raised by the Coastguard at around 5.30pm yesterday evening (Wednesday, September 2) when the man and boy were reported in the water off Tresaith beach after their canoe capsized.

When the pair got into difficulties, two RNLI lifeguards entered the water in extremely challenging conditions to rescue them, knowing that the wind and tide would be against them on the return trip, but nonetheless putting themselves at significant personal risk in order to save lives.

Recognising this, a colleague on the beach had already proactively radioed for support from HM Coastguard, who as a result dispatched both Cardigan’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and New Quay’s Mersey Class all-weather lifeboat.

The Coastguard rescue helicopter from St Athan and Cardigan’s Coastguard rescue team were also called to the scene.

The two lifeguards managed to reach the father and son and get them on their rescue boards but were unable to get back to the beach against the strong offshore wind and currents, which quickly swept them in a north-westerly direction further out to sea.

Cardigan lifeboat was first on the scene and found all four around a mile off the coast at Penbryn.

They were all safely picked up and returned to the beach at Tresaith and the waiting Coastguard team.

Roger Smith, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, said: “The RNLI is very proud of our two lifeguards who put themselves at great personal risk yesterday, in order to rescue two kayakers who had got into difficulties in challenging sea conditions.

“This incident is a great example of how RNLI lifeguards and lifeboats work together with our colleagues from HM Coastguard (both on the ground and in the air) in order to save lives at sea.

“We urge the public to always check the wind and tide conditions in advance of taking to the water, whether in a kayak or other small craft, and to seek advice locally whenever possible.

“If you see someone in difficulties on the coast or on the water, please dial 999 and ask for Coastguard.”