Rhossili rip current sweeps surfers out to sea on Gower

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Rhossili rescueImage source, Facebook/ Burry Port RNLI

Two surfers were swept out to sea in strong winds after becoming caught in a rip current.

Rescuers used a 200ft (61m) vantage point on cliffs above Rhossili, Gower, to locate them, before sending a lifeboat.

They were brought to shore, cold and shocked at about 13:00 GMT Sunday, and medics checked them over.

The Coastguard another surfer got into difficulty soon after but was able to get to shore themselves.

Image source, Facebook/ Burry Port RNLI
Image caption,

A Coastguard helicopter was sent but an RNLI lifeboat was able to rescue the surfers

It warned people to check the weather and know their limits while in the sea.

Rip currents are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly take you from shallow water out of your depth, and can be difficult to spot.

Image source, National Trust
Image caption,

Rhossili Bay is a three-mile (4km) stretch of beach on the Gower peninsula

Across the world, and in the UK more than 60% of RNLI lifeguard incidents, external involve rip currents.

The advice is to stay calm - as rip currents do not pull people under water, and most people get into trouble due to panic and fatigue.

Image source, Alan Hughes/Geograph
Image caption,

Worm's Head at Rhossili is one of the best known locations on the Gower