Rhyl RNLI volunteers repeat Welsh Covid-19 instructions following weekend calls.

The first call came at 1.46 pm on Saturday 30th after the UK coastguard received numerous 999 calls from the public about people being cut off by the tide in Kinmel Bay. Also the Landrover was used to inform people on Rhyl beach. The crews were out until just after 3 pm. All together, about 30 people were contacted and shepherded back to the shore.
At 10.40 pm the same day, both lifeboats were launched to a police incident at Pensarn beach, to provide safety cover at sea whilst the incident unfolded. At 11.45 pm the incident was resolved, and the boats stood down, returning to station at 00.35 am on Sunday morning.
At 2.00 pm on the Sunday, the inshore lifeboat and Landrover were again used to warn people on the beaches of Rhyl and Kinmel bay about the incoming tide. Again, about 30 people were informed, and the crews returned to station at 3.00 pm.

Chris Cousens, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Wales said: “We urge the Welsh public to remember the following safety advice: Stay in familiar surroundings and follow the Welsh Government advice. Do not put yourself, your family and emergency services at risk by taking risks or assuming it ‘won’t happen to you’. If you do see someone at risk call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

A high proportion of calls for the RNLI in Wales are to those who have been to people cut off by the tide, including during the lockdown period. Some parts of Wales have amongst the highest tidal range in Europe, and a beach that was clear yesterday at 2pm might be completely covered in sea at the same time today. Chris Cousens said: “If you are heading out for a coastal walk, make sure it is safe before you go. Always check the tide times and conditions before you set off and while out, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on the tide direction. Ask for local advice and look out for safety signs. Always carry a means of calling for help and know to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is at risk.”

From Monday 1 June, the public who live within 5 miles of Rhyl beach will be able to visit our beautiful golden sands. Enjoy your time at the beach, but please be aware at the moment there are no lifeguard patrols, the tides can come in at speed. Always be aware of the tide coming in behind you, as you can get cut off on sand banks. Rhyl RNLI Lifeboat volunteers remain on call 24 hours a day. Always remember if you get into trouble, or see someone in trouble at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
However, the changes to Government guidance does not mean our coasts are safe, the dangers that have always been there remain. We ask those who are local to beaches to continue to be aware of the inherent dangers. Our strong advice to the Welsh public, who are not local to a beach, is to follow the Welsh Government guidance to meet outdoors and exercise locally and not to travel to the coast. Air temperatures may be warming up but the sea temperature remains consistently chilly all year, jumping or falling into cold water or spending longer periods than normal submerged in the water can lead to, potentially fatal, cold water shock.”
Pictures show public being shepherded off the sandbanks in Kinmel Bay on Saturday, and the tracks of the lifeboats on both days.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.