RNLI issue warm weather safety warning as lifeguards return to more beaches in Wales

RNLI lifeguards across Wales are issuing a safety warning ahead of what looks set to be another weekend of dry, settled weather across the country. The charity’s lifeguards will return to an additional 12 beaches across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion from Saturday 21 June.

Warm weather is expected to continue into this weekend and an increase in visitors to the coast is expected, so the RNLI is urging the public to visit a lifeguarded beach where possible. 

From this Saturday, 21 June, RNLI lifeguard patrols will begin at Saundersfoot, Tenby North Tenby Castle, and Freshwater West between 10-6pm. Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Newgale and Broad Haven will also be lifeguarded from this weekend.  A service is already in place at Whitesands, Newgale Central and Tenby South, which will continue.

In Ceredigion, beaches at Aberystwyth North and New Quay Harbour will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from this weekend, and will continue with weekend only cover until the 19 July when they will then run a daily service for the rest of the season. 

Borth and Llangrannog are patrolled full time, whilst the other beaches in the county such as, Aberystwyth South, Tresaith and Aberporth will be patrolled on weekends only up until 19 July when they go live full time until 31 August. Additional beaches across both counties including Nolton Haven, Clarach, Amroth and Coppet Hall will be lifeguarded from July. 

Oliver Davies-Schofield Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for South Pembrokeshire said: 

‘We’re expecting a warm spell of weather and have been working hard to get our additional eight beaches in Pembrokeshire up and running for the season. There are plenty of lifeguarded beaches around Wales to choose from. Remember to swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and surf, kayak or stand-up paddleboard between the black and white flags.

‘The lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach, if you see a red flag the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as unsafe – so do not enter the water. If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards who will be happy to help and can provide local beach safety advice for the conditions that day.’

A number of other beaches across Wales are lifeguarded. In Denbighshire, Rhyl and Prestatyn are patrolled on weekends only up until 29 June when they go live full time for the remainder of the season.

In Swansea, Aberavon, Langland and Caswell will continue to be patrolled every day, with Pembrey to be patrolled on weekends only up until 5 July when it goes live full time.

In Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, Rest Bay, Coney Beach, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay are currently patrolled every day until the end of the season.

Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead said:

‘If you’re visiting the coast, remember to visit a lifeguarded beach. It's safest not to go into the water alone - the person you're with can help you stay safe and get help in the event of an emergency.

‘If you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live. If you see anyone else in difficulty anywhere along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The RNLI’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

· Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

· It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches - Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)