AN off-duty RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor rushed to rescue a teenager clinging to rocks at Broad Haven beach on Saturday.

Chris Rigby, South Pembrokeshire RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor had been surfing with friends in challenging conditions as strong winds created large swells and strong rip currents off.

As Chris was getting out of the water he spotted a teenage surfer clinging to the rocks and screaming for help on the other side of the beach.

Chris immediately ran across the beach, entered the water and paddled through the waves to the teenager.

The teenager was scared and reluctant to let go of the rocks but Chris knew he was in greater danger if he stayed close to the rocks for too long.

He helped the teenager off the rocks and started to escort him back to the beach.

Chris pushed the surfer - who was clinging to his board - through the large swells, eventually arriving back to the safety of the beach. After making it safely to shore, Chris checked to make sure the surfer was unharmed and tried to calm him down after the incident.

Reflecting on the rescue, Chris said: "The weather conditions were pretty rough over the weekend as the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo created some big swells. I had just got out of the water when I saw him clinging to the rocks and getting hit by waves – I grabbed by board, making my way through the swell as quickly as possible. Thankfully because of the skills and training given to me by the RNLI I was able to help. As a local surfer I would urge all beginners to avoid storm swells as they can be very powerful and dangerous."

Matt Horton, Senior Lifeguard Manager said: "Chris did a great job over the weekend; if he hadn’t had spotted the teenager and didn’t have the training and skills that he holds due to his work as a lifeguard the outcome could have been very different."

"The RNLI provides Surf Survival Clinics across the coast to teach surfers how they can keep themselves and others safe whilst taking part in the sport across the coast.

"Please contact your local RNLI Support Centre for more information about future Surf Survival Clinics held in your area.

"If you spot anyone in danger on the coast please don’t try and take part in the rescue yourself. RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews are taught specialist skills to ensure their own safety as they help others in trouble out at sea."