Off duty RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire - Jake Rogers and Euan Buick have been hailed heroes as they rescued three men from drowning - showcasing selflessness and expertise in challenging conditions.

On Saturday, August 30, following their lifeguarding shift at Whitesands Beach, RNLI lifeguards Jake and Euan had gone in the water to enjoy a surf. The swell size was 8ft with a 9 second period and a wind of 30 knots.

At around 7.30pm they spotted a group of 15 men entering the water at the north end of the beach, an area that is red flagged during lifeguard hours due to a strong rip current.

The group of the men were fully clothed and made their way to waist depth in the water. Jake and Euan observed from their surfboards in the water and saw three of the men lose their footing due to the large waves. They quickly began to be swept out to sea.

Euan caught a wave to the two men who had been swept furthest out, they were trying and failing to hold each other up in the water amongst the large breaking waves. They were drowning each other and going under water.

He passed his surfboard to them to use as a flotation device, mindful not to put himself at risk of being submerged by the casualties. Jake arrived and they both tried to put the casualties on their surfboards, but the men were panicking and unable to hold onto the small shortboards.

The lifeguards stayed with the men, trying their hardest to keep the casualties afloat, but they were also struggling against the big surf and strong rip current. It was about 10 minutes before Euan managed to return the first casualty to the beach where he handed him over to other off duty RNLI lifeguards Matthew Brown and Finn Iles.

Finn said: “When we saw the incident unfold, Matthew and I immediately ran down to the shoreline. When the group realised their friends were in trouble, a number of them tried to re-enter the water to go and help them.

“From what we could see we think the entire group were poor or even non swimmers, we had to discourage them from going in and explained that Jake and Euan are trained lifeguards who were best placed to rescue their friends.

“It’s vitally important that if you see anyone in trouble, that you do not enter the water and put yourself at risk. Always call for help.”

Euan paddled back out to assist Jake with the second casualty. Between the two of them, they managed to successfully return him to the shore and into the care of Matthew and Finn. Both the casualties and lifeguards had swallowed water due to the struggle in the challenging conditions.

Finn spotted a third casualty who had climbed onto the rocks on the Rams Nose (the headland on the right-hand side of Whitesands Beach). Euan and Jake re-entered the water and paddled to his assistance.

Jake abandoned his surfboard and pushed it towards the shore, he then climbed onto the rocks to reach the casualty. They were both being hit by large waves and being cut by the rocks.

Euan and Jake assessed the situation, realising the only possible evacuation for the casualty was to get him back in the water.

Jake said: “When we reached the rocks, I knew I’d have to climb up to help the casualty. I was mindful we needed to act quickly as the waves were crashing up over our heads, the tide was coming in and the daylight was beginning to fade. We needed to get the casualty back in the water as quickly as possible, to risk further injury.”

Jake decided the best course of action was to jump into the waves holding onto the casualty. Euan was standing by with his surfboard waiting to assist. Jake and Euan worked together to tow the casualty in but were hit by another big set of waves which increased the strength of the rip current, pulling the three of them back out to sea.

With the casualty in tow, it took Jake and Euan five minutes of intense swimming parallel to the shore to free themselves from the current. They were then able to swim back to standing depth where they waded with the casualty back to the beach.

Jake continued: “This was the most physically demanding rescue I've ever been involved in and had moments of being scared for mine and Euan's safety, as well as the casualties.

“But we were determined not to give up and to return all three casualties to their friends on the beach.”

Once on the beach, the lifeguards worked together to assess the three casualties. They had all swallowed water and the third casualty had sustained cuts from being smashed against the rocks. They were all advised to attend hospital for further medical assessment.

Jake, Euan, Matthew and Finn debriefed as a group, ensuring that they were all okay before heading home.

Stuart Penfold Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said: “Jake, Euan, Matthew and Finn displayed all of the RNLI’s values during this out of hours incident; selflessness, dependability, trustworthiness and courage.

“In extremely challenging conditions, Jake and Euan put their training to use, successfully recovering three casualties who were in serious danger of drowning. Had they not acted so quickly, the outcome could have been tragic for the three men.

“Our lifeguard patrols are reducing from this Sunday, September 7, Poppit Sands, Newport Sands, Newgale, Nolton Haven and Broad Haven will no longer be patrolled. Whitesands remains open on weekends only up until the end of October half term.

“We’re urging all beachgoers to be cautious during the autumn and winter months. Remember to never visit the beach alone and always carry a means of calling for help.

“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live. Lying on your back with your ears submerged helps to keep you calm and gives you precious time whilst waiting for assistance to arrive.

“If you see anyone in difficulty along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid.”

The upcoming months bring harsher conditions that can pose great risk to those visiting the beach. Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.