Tenby lifeguard paints mural in celebration of RNLI lifeguards 25th anniversary
Tenby RNLI Lifeguard, Gwen Evens, is hoping to inspire the next generation through art and lifesaving as her original artwork is installed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the charity's lifeguard service.
Gwen Evans, 23, a long-standing senior beach lifeguard in the South Pembrokeshire Team, has created two original artworks in celebration of 25 years of RNLI lifeguards, to inspire people to join or support the service in any way they can. Gwen said:
‘I’ve always lived by the sea and grew up watching the RNLI beach lifeguards in Pembrokeshire. After being a keen swimmer my whole life, I wanted a job that would allow me to be active and utilise my strength in the water.
‘My favourite part about being a RNLI lifeguard is interacting with the public, offering helpful safety advice and educating people so they can enjoy their time on the beaches I’ve grown up on.’
Gwen has been a lifeguard for five years, progressing through the grades to become one of the senior lifeguards in the team. A senior lifeguard is the person in charge of the lifeguard team working at the beach. They hold the responsibility of running the patrol and operations during the working day. They manage and co-ordinate rescues and casualty care when required.
‘It can sometimes feel daunting being a senior as you are responsible for all guards working that day, not to mention the whole beach. It is a great opportunity though and has definitely helped to boost my confidence, making me progress and develop my leadership and lifeguarding skills.
‘After working for the service for the past five years it’s always nice to see returning beach goers each season, especially the people we’ve helped who often recognise and support us year after year.’
Aside from lifeguarding, Gwen is an art student studying illustration at Arts University Plymouth, hoping to pursue art as a career in the future. Gwen continued:
‘I’ve been studying at Arts University Plymouth for three years and plan to pursue a future in art. My work is inspired by marine life and the coast, focusing on local places and personal experiences.
‘Growing up by the coast I’ve always been inspired by the RNLI, and I wanted to create something to support our lifesaving efforts as a charity that relies on the generous support of the public. I want to use my art to support charity causes and educate people whilst showcasing a fun, eye catching experience.’
The RNLI beach lifeguard service was rolled out in Pembrokeshire in 2008 and since, lifeguards have saved 164 lives, leading the number of lives saved in Wales. New figures also show that RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire have aided a further 15,513 people and rescued 1,799 since the service began.
With Tenby being a popular holiday destination, the beaches can get really busy for the lifeguards during the summer season. Gwen said:
‘As RNLI lifeguards we encourage you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and come and talk to us even when the beach is busy, we’re here to answer questions and are always happy to help.
‘I wanted to use my art as a way to give back to the charity that saves lives every day. If my art can spark conversation, inspire future lifeguards or simply raise more awareness of our safety advice, then it has achieved exactly what I intended.’
You can visit Gwen’s artwork at the RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit on Tenby South. Gwen is soon returning to lifeguard on the south Pembrokeshire beaches at the end of June, for another season of saving lives. Meanwhile you can follow her artistic journey @saltandinkstudio on Instagram.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected] or 07483 485378.
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 is the charity that 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 146,700 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.