Lifeguards return to Swansea beaches this summer

RNLI LIFEGUARDS are preparing for a busy period as school summer holidays kick off in the county.

Children from across the area are expected to flock to Swansea’s busiest beaches after the school year came to an end last week.

Families heading to the coast for holiday fun are being advised to enjoy the seaside on a lifeguarded beach this summer.

The RNLI charity’s lifeguards, in partnership with Swansea Council, are providing a daily safety service at Swansea Bay, Langland, Caswell and Port Eynon beaches, issuing safety advice and assistance throughout the school holidays. There is also a lifeguard safety service on Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot.

Over the four beaches, RNLI lifeguards responded to 202 incidents and assisted 223 people in 2014.

Stuart Thompson, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: “The start of the school holidays usually signals the start of the busiest period of the year on the beaches and our highly trained lifeguards are there to provide information and advice on safety.

“We anticipate a lot of people visiting the coast over the coming weeks.  We advise that people choose a lifeguarded beach and to always swim between the red and yellow flags – that way you can relax in the knowledge that you and your family are safe under the watchful eyes of professional lifeguards.”

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the RNLI once again. Our seaside offers lots of fun for many thousands of people every summer, but the presence of lifeguards will be a source of comfort because it ensures the experience is as safe as it is enjoyable.

“I’d urge residents and visitors to heed the advice of the expert lifeguards over coming weeks. We also have lots of water safety tips on our website for people to have a look at before heading out for a day by the sea.”

RNLI lifeguards are providing a daily safety service between 10am and 6pm throughout the summer holidays. For more tips on how to stay safe on the coast this summer visit the RNLI website at www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety or download the charity’s beach safety mobile app. You can also head to www.swansea.gov.uk/watersafety for a list of water safety tips.