RNLI volunteers helped to save a woman's life who accidentally fell into the sea at Penarth Esplanade last night (October 10).

A group of friends had been sitting near the railings on Penarth Esplanade when one young woman fell backwards into the water. The alarm was raised by her friends, and they, together with members of the public and a Penarth RNLI volunteer, helped to keep her safe before the lifeboat was launched.  

A throw line was used to reach the casualty, and lifejackets were obtained from the lifeboat station.

The ywoman was struggling to hold on, and with high spring tides the RNLI crew member entered the water to fit her lifejacket and support her, knowing that the lifeboat crew had been paged and were on their way. 
The D-class lifeboat was launched quickly, and brought the casualty and the Penarth crew member safely back to the station.

A medical check was carried out on both, and although cold and wet they were deemed fit and well. 

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager paid tribute to all those involved: "With such a high tide, in darkness and in cold water, the casualty could have easily drifted out of sight. By hanging on as she did and with the support of everyone involved the rescue was affected quickly and safely."