Barry Island surge makes Whitmore Bay SE Wales busiest RNLI-patrolled beach

Please note: Whitmore Bay is currently not lifeguarded. RNLI lifeguard patrols will return to the beach in Easter 2025.

The increase has had a knock-on impact, with Whitmore Bay reported as being the busiest beach patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in the Vale of Glamorgan this summer. As visitor numbers rose, so too did the number of people needing help from the RNLI lifeguards at Barry Island.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Matt Childs commented:

‘Whitmore Bay has been incredibly busy this season, and our lifeguards have yet again, done an amazing job keeping people safe. But with an increase in visitor numbers comes more incidents requiring lifeguard intervention.

'For example, anecdotally, on a busy day the team can deal with up to 40-50 missing children alone, a huge amount of work for the four lifeguards managing every aspect of beach safety for several thousand people. We’re pleased to see so many people enjoying the beach, but it’s vital that people are aware of the risks and understand our water safety messages, especially as we head into the winter when the lifeguards are not on patrol.’

As the weather cools and winter approaches, the RNLI is issuing important safety advice for those planning to visit the coast during the colder months. Stronger winds, bigger waves, and colder temperatures, mean trips to the seaside can be more dangerous in the winter.

Some RNLI winter water safety tips:

• Never swim alone: Always have company who can get help in case of an emergency.
• Check the weather: Conditions can change rapidly, and big waves or strong winds increase risk.
• Carry a means of contact: Always bring a mobile phone, and if you’re in trouble or see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
• Be aware of cold-water shock: The risk is significant in UK waters most of the year. But as the air and sea temperature drop, ensure you don't stay in the water too long and that you have adequate warm clothing for afterwards.
• Float to Live: If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember 'Float to Live'. tilt your head back with your ears in the water, use your arms and legs if you need to, try to relax, and float until help arrives.

Rip currents are a major risk at this time of year. If you’re caught in one:

• Don’t swim against the current.
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip, then head back to land.
• Raise your hand and call out for help.

Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station, said:

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7, regardless of the weather or time of year. If you get into trouble or see anybody else in difficulty, don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard - who will dispatch the nearest lifeboat to help.’

Notes to Editors

• RNLI South East Lifeguards patrol 7 beaches in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend.
• Transport for Wales figures can be found: ‘Tidy’ increase in the number of passengers catching the train to Barry
• Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives along our coast since 1901.
• Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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 146,000 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.