A Pembrokeshire RNLI crew has been thanked for saving a daughter’s life after she was swept out to sea on a paddleboard.
The family of 14-year-old Lilly Evans have expressed their gratitude to the Tenby RNLI volunteers who rescued her.
The incident happened on July 30, when Lilly was paddleboarding at Pendine Beach and was swept a mile out to sea by the wind.
Her parents, David and Kiki, were immediately aware of the danger and took action to save their daughter.
David, Kiki and Lilly Evans had a tour of Tenby Lifeboat Station when they visited to say thank you (Image: RNLI/Nathan Williams)
Mr Evans attempted to swim after Lilly but was unable to reach her.
Meanwhile, Mrs Evans made a 999 call asking for the Coastguard’s help.
Mr Evans said: “I was shouting out to her to come back in and she was screaming that she couldn’t.
“I was in pure panic when I realised I couldn’t get to her.
“I looked back at my wife, who was on her knees screaming.”
In response to the distress call, the HM Coastguard tasked Tenby RNLI lifeboat to the scene.
The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat and made their way to Pendine Beach, where they found Lilly a mile offshore.
She was helped onboard the lifeboat, checked over, and safely returned to her relieved family on the beach.
Mrs Evans said: “When the lifeboat arrived, we couldn’t even see Lilly as she had been blown so far out to sea.
“It was the longest wait of my life, not knowing if Lilly was alive.
“Somehow, she managed to stay on the paddleboard, I think a few people were looking down on her that day.
“Hearing that the lifeboat crew had her and that she was safe, it was an indescribable feeling.
Tenby RNLI saved Lilly after she was swept out to sea (Image: RNLI/Nathan Williams)
“Lilly says she couldn’t have held on much longer.
“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be reunited with the crew.
“We can’t thank the RNLI enough for saving Lilly’s life.”
The family recently visited Tenby Lifeboat Station to thank the volunteers who saved Lilly’s life earlier this year.
Dan Thomas, deputy coxswain at Tenby RNLI, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be reunited with Lilly and her family.
“Their gratitude is well received by us all.
“We’re all so pleased to see the Evans family before Christmas.
“At this time of year, it means so much to see the impact our lifesaving work has on families like the Evans.”
He urged the public to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they spot someone in difficulty in the water, just as Lilly’s mother did.
He said: “That quick action can be the lifesaving difference.
“Without that 999 phone call and our crew launching the lifeboat on July 30, the outcome could have been very different.”
Mr Evans plans to run both the Newport and London Marathons to raise funds for the RNLI.
His Gofundme page has already received more than £2,000 in donations.
The RNLI has said their volunteer crews are prepared to answer calls for help at any time, even on Christmas Day.
They are seeking donations for their Christmas appeal to be able to continue their lifesaving work.