Two Toms to the rescue! Family of nine saved from rising tide

What started as a holiday paddle quickly became a dramatic rescue operation involving a family of nine caught out by a rapidly rising tide, two lifeguards… and just one rescue board.

The pair of RNLI lifeguards – both named Tom – were working at the beach on Monday when they were alerted to the family, who had become stranded on rocks as the tide rose and the swell increased around the headland on the eastern side of Grève de Lecq.

Using a rescue board, the pair took turns bringing the family members back to shore one at a time between breaking waves.

“MASSIVE thank you”

In a message subsequently shared by RNLI Jersey, a member of the family described the rescue by Tom Baudains (pictured, top left) and Tom Rolls (right) as an “exhausting” effort and offered a “MASSIVE thank you from the bottom of my heart”.

“They kept going until each member was safe on the beach,” they said. “We are so, so grateful and hate to think what would have happened if they had not been there to save everyone.”

The RNLI also praised the family for “staying calm during the rescue” and a younger member who “quickly swam back to notify our lifeguards of their changing situation”.

We’re fortunate to have a team that are trained to an exceptional standard

RNLI JERSEY

The rescue came during a busy bank holiday weekend for Jersey’s lifeguards, with good surf conditions and large 11-metre tides.

“Nice one Toms!”

Islanders were full of praise for the two lifeguards on social media, with comments including “Well done the two Toms!”, “Nice one Toms!” and “Well done both!!”

Giving a shout out to their colleagues, the RNLI said: “Each beach has its different challenges and dangers and we’re fortunate to have a team that are trained to an exceptional standard with a great deal of expertise about Jersey beaches.

“Not only do the lifeguards help people on the beach, they can often be the first on scene to minor and major incidents around the coast, whether that be a car crash or a health condition, and that immediate care can have a positive impact on the persons recovery.”