Woman Rescued by RNLI Volunteers after Falling and Breaking Knee on Beach
Emily Morus-Jones, a 38-year-old woman, found herself in a precarious situation on the beach in the Manai Strait area of Bangor near the Faenol Estate. What started as a leisurely afternoon run with her dogs quickly turned into a nightmare when she slipped on the beach and broke her knee, rendering her immobile. In a desperate situation, Emily screamed for help, unsure if anyone would hear her cries before the incoming tide engulfed the beach.
With a mix of fear and pain, Emily recalled the terrifying moment of her fall, “I skidded on some seaweed hitting rocks and then fell awkwardly onto my knee. I felt immediate pain and all I could do was scream. I started worrying about how and if I’d be located, knowing the tide was coming in.” Understanding the risk posed by the rising tide and the treacherous currents in the area, Emily knew she was in a life-threatening situation.
As she waited for help to arrive, Emily reflected on her surroundings, acknowledging the swift and dangerous nature of the water. Realising the severity of her injury and the imminent danger of the approaching tide, Emily praised the rapid response of the Beaumaris RNLI crew. Their timely arrival brought relief and assurance to Emily amidst the agonising pain and shock of the situation.
Recounting the distressing moments that followed her fall, Emily shared, “I was screaming for about 10 minutes at the time as it really was agony, and then I was like, okay, I’m in trouble here because that tide is coming up and I need to get off this beach.” The RNLI volunteers stayed in constant communication with Emily, offering reassurance and support until they could reach her location.
After the harrowing experience, Emily expressed her deep gratitude towards the RNLI volunteers who risked their lives to rescue her. As part of the Mayday campaign launched by the charity, Emily reunited with the crew to personally convey her appreciation and encourage others to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI. The Mayday campaign seeks to raise funds to sustain the operations of the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to keeping communities safe.
The RNLI, renowned for its unwavering commitment to maritime safety, continues to serve communities across the UK and Ireland. In 2024, the RNLI lifeboats were launched over 9,100 times, marking one of the busiest years in the charity’s history. Despite the challenges faced, the Welsh RNLI stations reported an increase in lives saved, underscoring the vital role played by volunteer crews in safeguarding lives at sea.
As the demand for lifesaving services remains high, the RNLI urges the public to engage with the Mayday Mile fundraising event. Participants are encouraged to cover a mile each day throughout May, with proceeds supporting the operational needs of the charity. Maintaining a 24/7 lifesaving service requires significant resources, and the generosity of supporters is essential in enabling the RNLI to continue its crucial mission.
In a statement, Gwen Beeken, a volunteer crew member at Beaumaris RNLI, emphasised the importance of community support, “Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.” The collective effort of volunteers, donors, and supporters ensures that the RNLI can uphold its legacy of saving lives at sea.
As Emily continues her recovery from the traumatic incident, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable service provided by organisations like the RNLI. The courage and dedication of volunteer crews stand as a beacon of hope for those in distress, reinforcing the significance of community solidarity in times of crisis.