RNLI urges public to stay safe as hot weather hits Welsh coast

Temperatures are expected to cool as we head into the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, but the lifesaving charity expects to still see an increase in visitors at the coast.

To stay safe, the RNLI is urging the public to:

· Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

· Swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Always check the tide times and weather forecast.

· If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.

· If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

This Bank Holiday weekend (3-5 May), the following beaches will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach.

In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland and Caswell Bay. Following this weekend, Langland and Caswell Bay will continue to be patrolled full time.

In Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan: Whitmore, Coney and Trecco Bay. Following this weekend, Coney and Trecco Bay will continue to be patrolled full time.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region, said: ‘If you are planning a trip to the coast, we highly recommend choosing a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach.

‘Although the air temperature is rising, the sea temperature remains low enough to cause cold water shock. Enter the water slowly, take time to acclimatise and try to relax. We advise wearing a wetsuit and avoid swimming alone.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.

‘Remember to check the tide times and weather conditions before heading to the beach. This week there are big tides, this increases the speed at which the tide comes in and puts the public at greater risk of being cut off.

‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘Please share these messages with your family and friends, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast, and to stay safe whilst doing so.’

As it is outside peak season, please check the times and season dates of your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

The lifesaving charity’s lifeboats based across the UK and Ireland remain on service 24/7, 365 days a year.

Notes to editors

· Interviews with RNLI spokespeople available, please use contact details below.

Media Contacts:

For further information, contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at [email protected] or call 01202336789. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected].

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.