RNLI lifeguards return to selected Welsh beaches for the Easter Holidays
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Lifeguards are set to return to beaches in Swansea and Pembrokeshire this weekend ahead of the Easter Holidays. The RNLI are advising that anyone visiting the coast, should choose a lifeguarded beach.
Last year (2024) RNLI lifeguards in Wales responded to 1,349 incidents, aided 1,973 people, made 397,426 preventative actions and saved 13 lives.
This Saturday 12 April, RNLI lifeguards are returning to their posts to keep visitors safe at beaches across South and West Wales.
In Swansea, the RNLI will be patrolling at Langland and Caswell every day from 10am-6pm between 12-27 April. There will be no lifeguards on Langland and Caswell between 28 April – 2 May, full time patrols begin on both beaches on 3 May. Aberavon will be patrolled from 10am-6pm between 18-21 April, will be patrolled on weekends only from 3 May and patrolled full time from 24 May. Pembrey will be patrolled from 24 May for the half term week, Port Eynon from 5 July and Three Cliffs this year will be patrolled from 19 July for the duration of the summer holidays.
In Pembrokeshire, RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at Whitesands Beach every day from 10am-6pm from 12-27 April. Lifeguards will also be patrolling at Tenby South Beach from 10am-6pm from 18-21 April. From Monday 1 April, the service will continue on weekends only at Whitesands until 25 May when the beach goes live full time. Tenby South will also be patrolled at weekends only until 25 May.
In Bridgend, RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at Whitmore, Coney and Trecco Bay for the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (18-21 April) from 10am-6pm. From 3-24 May, Coney and Trecco will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore will be patrolled on weekends only. From 24 May, Coney, Trecco, Whitmore and Rest Bay will all be patrolled full time for the remainder of the summer holidays.
The RNLI encourages beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach and patrol this area at all times. Anyone intending on intend on surfing or participating in hard craft activity, should stay between the black and white flags.
At this time of year, when the sea is at its coldest, cold water shock is a possibility. Water temperature below 15 degrees can affect breathing and movement, which often causes panic and can lead to drowning.
Anyone planning a dip is advised to wear a wetsuit, to minimise the risk of cold water shock and the carrying of a floatation device is recommended.
Tom John Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said:
‘We’re very much looking forward to having our lifeguards back on the beaches. Our team have recently gone through intensive training in preparation for the Easter Holidays.
‘Should people plan on going in the sea during the holidays, we encourage them to visit one of our patrolled beaches. We can keep an eye on you between our flags. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.
‘If you go in the sea at a non-patrolled beach, make sure you someone knows where you are at all times and that you have a means for calling for help.
‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you fall in the water unexpectedly, try to relax and float to live.’
RNLI Float to Live advice:
· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
· Relax and try to breathe normally
· Move your hands to help you stay afloat
· It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
· Spread your arms and legs to improve stability
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.
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.