A major rescue operation was launched at a popular Welsh beach on Sunday evening after six children found themselves in "serious difficulty" in the sea. The coastguard led the rescue mission at Aberavon Beach, which saw three of the children pulled from the water using a throw line, while the others were rescued directly from the water.

The large-scale emergency response involved police, ambulance services and local volunteers and was described as a "mass casualty event" by one emergency services source.

Coastguard Rescue Officers provided immediate care before handing over the children to the ambulance service. Three ambulances were dispatched to the scene, with two of the children being transported to hospital, while the other four made their own way there.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard stated: "HM Coastguard was tasked to co-ordinate the rescue of children in the water at Aberavon Beach yesterday, 24 August, at around 8:30pm."

They added that "Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat, Port Talbot and Porthcawl Coastguard Rescue Teams, Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Police were on scene.", reports Wales Online.

The Port Talbot Coastguard Rescue Team played a crucial role in rescuing the children from the water and providing first aid until the arrival of the ambulance. The Welsh Ambulance service confirmed their involvement, stating: "We were contacted yesterday (24 August) at approximately 8:33pm, to reports of an incident on Aberavon beach, Port Talbot.

"We sent three emergency ambulances and one operations manager to the scene.

"Two patients were conveyed to hospital for treatment with a further four patients making their own way to hospital."

Port Talbot Coastguard revealed that their rescue teams plunged into the water "without hesitation" upon recognising the escalating danger, wishing all the casualties a swift recovery.

The team's third water rescue of the day brought the total number of lives saved to nine.

A warning has been issued to visitors of a popular Welsh seaside resort this bank holiday after massive waves knocked people over, sweeping them onto boulders and causing injuries.

Volunteer lifeguards have urged individuals to "take extreme caution" when visiting Rest Bay in Porthcawl over the coming days due to the expected enormous waves and powerful currents.