RNLI Lifeguards return to Pembrey for summer season

RNLI lifeguards will be returning to Cefn Sidan beach in Pembrey this Saturday (12 May) to offer high-level first aid and safety service to the public for the summer season. The charity’s lifeguards will be ready at their posts between 10am-6pm everyday from Saturday until Sunday 2 September.

The charity’s lifeguards have already completed two weeks of intense training and passed vital fitness tests to ensure that everyone is on top form ready for the seasonal service. This will be the fourth season for RNLI lifeguards to provide a safety service on Cefn Sidan beach.

Rob Steele, Swansea RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said:

“The charity’s lifeguards are looking forward to return to Cefn Sidan beach in Pembrey this weekend. They have all been put through their paces over the past few weeks to ensure the highest level of fitness and training to help save lives on Welsh beaches this summer.

“RNLI lifeguards can provide tips and advice to help beachgoers avoid any unfortunate incidences that may occur during the day. The lifeguards will place red and yellow flags on the beach every morning and we ask the public to stay between these flags as these are the safest place to swim. If you get into trouble raise your hand and shout for help and the lifeguards will come to your assistance.’

Carmarthenshire county head of leisure services Ian Jones said: “We are really proud of Cefn Sidan’s high standards and Blue Flag Beach status. The beach annually continues to be one of the busiest beaches in Wales. The RNLI’s are an important continuing presence alongside our ranger service making sure that hundreds of thousands of annual beach visitors are well looked after.”

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 inflatable’s 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