Volunteers from the Llandudno Lifeboat Station were called into action yesterday evening after reports that two people had become cut off on the breakwater at Porth Eirias during poor weather conditions.

The station’s inshore lifeboat was tasked at 6.06pm with volunteer crew members quickly assembling to prepare for launch in strong north westerly winds and rough seas.

Due to the challenging conditions, crews also prepared the station’s all-weather lifeboat to launch if needed, providing additional safety cover for the inshore crew operating closer to shore.

With four crew members onboard, the inshore lifeboat launched and headed towards Porth Eirias. Shortly after leaving the station, HM Coastguard informed the crew that one casualty had managed to reach safety, although a second person was still believed to be in difficulty.

The lifeboat continued around the Little Orme towards Rhos-on-Sea in what the RNLI described as a “strong and confused sea”, while HM Coastguard teams from Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team also attended the incident from land.

As the crew neared the scene, they received confirmation that the second casualty had also managed to get safely ashore.

With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. Because of the difficult sea conditions, the decision was made to recover the vessel at the old lifeboat slipway in the shelter of the Great Orme.

The incident has once again highlighted the vital role RNLI stations play across North Wales’ coastline.

From Holyhead Lifeboat Station to teams based in Llandudno and Rhyl, the RNLI volunteers regularly respond to emergencies involving swimmers, paddleboarders, walkers cut off by tides and people in difficulty at sea.

North Wales’ coastline attracts millions of visitors every year, but rapidly changing weather, strong tides and exposed coastal areas can quickly turn dangerous. Lifeboat crews are often called out in severe weather conditions when most people are heading indoors, with volunteers leaving work and family life at all hours to respond.

The RNLI relies heavily on donations and volunteers to keep its lifesaving service operating, with stations across the region regarded as a crucial part of North Wales’ coastal safety network.