RNLI beach lifeguards in Pembrokeshire are strongly advising people to choose a lifeguarded beach following a spike in rescues in recent days.
RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling every day across eight beaches in Pembrokeshire and in the last ew weeks, the beaches have been busier which has coincided with rougher sea conditions.
Nearly 30 people, including several children, have been rescued by the lifeguards in less than a fortnight.
Children rescued
On Wednesday August 14, lifeguards patrolling at Tenby Castle Beach rescued 11 people – including three children - from rip currents. Lifeguards responded on rescue boards and safely returned all the casualties to shore.
On Friday August 16, lifeguards patrolling at Newgale beach rescued six people and aided a further six from rip currents.
This week, on Tuesday August 20, Newgale’s RWC (Rescue Water Craft) rescued a surfer in difficulty in a rip current.
The following day, Wednesday August 21, a bodyboarder was rescued and a further four were assisted from rip currents by Newgale’s lifeguards.
"An abundance of rip currents"
Noah Harvatt, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for north Pembrokeshire said: "The combination of wind, swell and big tides in the last couple of weeks has caused an abundance of rip currents.
"The number of rescues and assists our lifeguards have responded to shows the importance of choosing an RNLI lifeguarded beach if you’re planning on going in the water.
"We position the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and surf, kayak or paddleboard between the black and white flags.
"The location of rip currents can change every day and are impossible to predict. This forces us to regularly move the flags and dynamically assess the beach."
Red flags
On Thursday August 22, Newgale, Nolton Haven and Freshwater West were all red flagged due to dangerous conditions.
Storm Lillian brought strong winds and big surf, meaning the conditions posed a increased risk to beachgoers. The likelihood and strength of rip currents is heightened in these circumstances, which often forces lifeguards to red flag certain areas, or an entire beach.
"Don't swim against a rip"
Oliver Davies-Scourfield, lead lifeguard supervisor for south Pembrokeshire said: "If you see a red flag flying, we have deemed that area of the beach as unsafe and strongly advise against entering the water.
‘If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, then wade don’t swim. If you can, try to swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the current, and then head back to shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.
‘If you’re ever unsure as to why we’ve red flagged the beach, please approach our lifeguards. We’re more than happy to offer guidance and direct you to a safer place to swim.
"In Pembrokeshire, the following beaches are currently being patrolled every day from 10am-6pm up until 1 September: Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Whitesands, Newgale Central and South, Broad Haven, Freshwater West, Tenby North, Tenby Castle, Tenby South and Saundersfoot. Choose one of our lifeguarded beaches if you’re planning a dip.
Float to Live
‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live.
"Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat.
"It's OK if your legs sink, as we all float differently. Then once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can."
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