RNLI offer safety advice as Ceredigion lifeguard patrols end

As of Sunday 31 August, RNLI lifeguards are no longer patrolling Ceredigion’s beaches. Following a number of rescues in August, the lifesaving charity are offering safety advice to the public for visiting the coast during the autumn and winter months.

On Bank Holiday Sunday (25 August), RNLI lifeguards patrolling at Aberporth rescued 21 people who were in difficulty on inflatable paddleboards. Lifeguards Tom Robinson, Molly Newland and Daisy Davies were kept busy patrolling and giving safety advice to the hundreds of people enjoying the sunshine.

Despite the fair weather the wind was blowing strongly offshore, meaning all inflatable users were at risk of being blown out to sea. All 21 people rescued were using inflatable paddleboards, having entered the water and then unable to return to shore due to the strong wind.

Samuel Trevor, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Ceredigion, said:

‘On Bank Holiday Sunday, we saw large crowds visiting beaches all across Ceredigion to enjoy the sunshine. Our lifeguard teams did a fantastic job of working together to keep the public safe.

‘At Aberporth, our lifeguards were flying the orange windsock and discouraging people from taking inflatables in the water. Inflatables aren’t designed to be used in the sea and it only takes a light wind to blow people far out very quickly.

‘Our main priority as lifeguards is to keep people safe by giving preventative advice. We do our best to speak to everyone, but when the beaches are busy it’s impossible to have a conversation with every single person or group.

‘We advise that anyone planning on going paddleboarding should always check the forecast and look for flags on the beach that indicate the direction the wind is blowing. If the wind is blowing away from the land, don’t take the risk.

‘Always wear a lifejacket, a leash that attaches you to the board and carry a means of contact in a waterproof pouch, so that if you find yourself in difficulty you can call for help.’

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead said:

‘As the season finishes for RNLI lifeguards in Wales, we’re asking people to continue to take care and know how to stay safe at the coast.

‘When you visit a beach outside of the lifeguard season, we recommend going into the water with someone else - having someone with you means they can help you or get help in the event of an emergency. Take note of the safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards. If possible, speak to someone who knows the area who might be able to provide advice and explain any dangers.

‘Always check the weather conditions and tide times and consider your capabilities. If in doubt – it is better to stay out of the water.

‘Always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘We’re aware that cold water dipping into the autumn and winter is becoming increasingly popular. We advise avoiding do this alone – it’s safer and more fun to go with someone.

‘As we get further into the winter months and the water temperature continues to drop. Enter the water slowly to acclimatise to the temperature and avoid cold water shock. Wearing a wetsuit will keep you warmer. Make sure you do not stay in the water for too long and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

‘Be seen by wearing a brightly coloured swim cap or using a tow float.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.’

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
- Always raise your hand and shout for help.

RNLI Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
• Relax and control your breathing
• Move your hands and legs around to help you stay afloat
• Your legs may sink, that’s ok – we all float differently
• Practice swimming at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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