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Pembrokeshire lifeguards safety warning following a spike in rescues

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI beach lifeguards in Pembrokeshire are strongly advising people to choose a lifeguarded beach following a spike in rescues across beaches in south west Wales.

RNLI/Anya Walton

Newgale RNLI lifeguards

Following a rise in the number of rescues in Pembrokeshire over the last ten days, RNLI lifeguards are reminding the public of the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling everyday across eight beaches in Pembrokeshire. In the last few weeks, the beaches have been busier which has coincided with rougher sea conditions.

Last Wednesday 14 August, lifeguards patrolling at Tenby Castle Beach rescued 11 people – including three children from rip currents. Lifeguards responded on rescue boards and safely returned all the casualties to shore.

On Friday 16 August, lifeguards patrolling at Newgale Beach rescued six people and aided a further six from rip currents.

This week, on Tuesday 20 August, Newgale’s RWC (Rescue Water Craft) rescued a surfer in difficulty in a rip current.

The following day, (Wednesday 21 August) a bodyboarder was rescued and a further four were assisted from rip currents by Newgale’s lifeguards.

Noah Harvatt, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said:

‘The combination of wind, swell and big tides in the last couple of weeks has caused an abundance of rip currents.

‘The number of rescues and assists our lifeguards have responded to shows the importance of choosing an RNLI lifeguarded beach if you’re planning on going in the water.

‘We position the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and surf, kayak or paddleboard between the black and white flags.

‘The location of rip currents can change every day and are impossible to predict. This forces us to regularly move the flags and dynamically assess the beach.’

Yesterday (22 August) Newgale, Nolton Haven and Freshwater West were all red flagged due to dangerous conditions.

Storm Lillian brought strong winds and big surf, meaning the conditions posed a heightened risk to beachgoers.

The likelihood and strength of rip currents is heightened in these circumstances, which often forces lifeguards to red flag certain areas, or an entire beach.

Oliver Davies-Scourfield, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for South Pembrokeshire said:

‘If you see a red flag flying, we have deemed that area of the beach as unsafe and strongly advise against entering the water.

‘If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, then wade don’t swim. If you can, try to swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the current, and then head back to shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.

‘If you’re ever unsure as to why we’ve red flagged the beach, please approach our lifeguards. We’re more than happy to offer guidance and direct you to a safer place to swim.’

‘In Pembrokeshire the following beaches are currently being patrolled every day from 10am-6pm up until 1 September: Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Whitesands, Newgale Central and South, Broad Haven, Freshwater West, Tenby North, Tenby Castle, Tenby South and Saundersfoot.

‘Choose one of our lifeguarded beaches if you’re planning a dip.

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live ’Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat. It's OK if your legs sink, as we all float differently. Then once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.’

The RNLI’s Float to Live advice:

· Tilt your head back with ears submerged

· Relax and try to control your breathing

· Use your hands to help you stay afloat

· It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

Notes to editors:

· Safety video from North Pembrokeshire Lifeguards can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Aw1MDN4x2/?igsh=MXY1bzZwd25qbm16NA==


Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.


RNLI/Anya Walton

Newgale RNLI lifeguards

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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 146,000 lives.

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