Jet ski rider rescued after 45 minutes in sea near Llandudno

On September 6, a jet ski rider found themselves in a perilous situation near the Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales. After being swept out to sea and unable to call for help, the rider clung to their upturned jet ski for 45 minutes. The RNLI crew, who were initially responding to a separate boat rescue, spotted the rider while navigating the Conwy channel. They quickly identified the emergency and took action to secure the jet ski and rescue the individual. The lifeboat crew, led by Coxswain Graham Heritage, recognized the urgency of the situation and requested assistance from Conwy's inshore lifeboat. This collaboration allowed the Llandudno lifeboat to focus on transporting the rider back to safety. The individual had been attempting to swim the jet ski back to shore, highlighting the dangerous conditions they faced. The rescue operation was efficient, with the Llandudno lifeboat returning to shore by 5:18 PM after the incident began at 2:14 PM. The jet ski was later recovered by its owner at Beacons Jetty, Conwy Morfa. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of maritime rescues and the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges. Coxswain Heritage reflected on the mission, emphasizing that lifeboat crews must always be ready for any situation that may arise. The successful rescue not only saved a life but also demonstrated the effectiveness of teamwork among the RNLI crews in responding to emergencies at sea.