As Pembrokeshire prepares to welcome the Olympic Torch to the county this weekend, RNLI lifeguards are making final checks and preparations as they return to Tenby South and Whitesands beaches tomorrow (Saturday).

The charity’s lifeguards will be at their posts from 10am-6pm ready to offer safety advice and assistance on the county’s busiest beaches for the summer season.

Last year RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands in St Davids responded to 140 incidents over the summer, while their colleagues responded to 85 incidents on Tenby South beach.

The charity’s lifeguards will be at their posts to offer advice and assistance everyday between 10am-6pm from Saturday (26th May) until Sunday 2nd September.

Stuart Thompson, RNLI Lifeguard Manager said: ‘RNLI lifeguards have been busy completing vital training and passing fitness tests over the past few weeks as they prepare to return to Pembrokeshire beaches this weekend. Whitesands and Tenby South beach are two of our busiest beaches within the country, and I know the lifeguards are looking forward to returning to their post to offer safety advice and assistance to members of the public once again this summer.’ RNLI lifeguards have been working with Pembrokeshire County Council by offering a safety service on the county’s beaches since 2008.

Chris Payne, Pembrokeshire County Council's leisure services manager, said: 'It is great to see the lifeguards returning to our beaches once again this year. We work closely with the RNLI to ensure that our beaches are safe for both local people and visitors. Our relationship with the RNLI Lifeguard Service has brought a raft of benefits to the safety and related activity on Pembrokeshire beaches.'

Before visiting the beach this summer, the RNLI advises the public to bear in mind some vital safety tips to help ensure that no mishaps are likely to ruin their day:
1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a lifeguarded beach.
2. Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas.
3. Check times of high and low tide before you visit the beach. Alternatively ask a lifeguard.
4. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
5. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
For more information on beach safety please visit www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety.