Big Dipper

Ynys Dulas is a tiny rock jutting out of the sea between Wales and Ireland. No one lives there (unless you count seals) primarily because most of the island disappears at high tide. A tower was built here in 1821 to provide food and shelter to shipwrecked seamen, because this is a place where people run into trouble. 50-year-old firefighter Paul Rowlands and his 13-year-old son were kayaking near Ynys Dulas in February when they found themselves in the icy water, fighting for their lives. “Joe said he thought we were going to die,” said his dad. Joe managed to reach land, but Paul had lost consciousness. Joe dived back in and pulled his dad onto the rocky shore. He began chest compressions and mouth to mouth. The coastguard rescued them about two hours later. “Joe saved my life that day,” Paul reports. “As a reward I bought him the phone he’d always wanted. I'm extremely proud of him.”