THE RNLI is offering safety advice to beachgoers as the winter months bring harsher conditions to our coastline. 

Whitesands Beach in Pembrokeshire is the only beach now being patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in Wales. Lifeguards are patrolling every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm until Sunday 3 November.  

Yesterday (20 October 2024), lifeguards patrolling at Whitesands were forced to red flag the beach. A combination of up to 60mph winds and 6-8ft surf meant the lifeguards deemed the beach unsafe for water users. 

Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: 

‘As wintery conditions have begun to hit the Welsh coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers. 

‘Strong winds and big waves like we saw at the weekend, posed a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers. 

‘If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice. 

‘Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk. 

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

‘We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards. 

‘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.’ 

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.  

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. 

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid. 

RSPCA Cymru has expressed optimism that renters with pets across Wales could soon gain more rights, as the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has endorsed the charity’s call for Welsh Government intervention.

On Tuesday (Oct 22), the committee released its findings from an inquiry into the private renting sector. The inquiry explored obstacles faced by pet-owning tenants in Wales, resulting in 13 key recommendations, including one urging the Welsh Government to clarify its plans to extend renters’ rights to include pet ownership. The committee also recommended a “myth-busting” campaign to counter landlord discrimination against pet owners.

RSPCA Cymru has been actively campaigning to prevent private landlords from banning pets in rented properties. John Griffiths MS, Chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee, voiced support for this shift, stating, “Today’s report calls on the Welsh Government to ensure people renting privately can live comfortably in high-quality, affordable homes. Unfortunately, many tenants are forced to choose between keeping their pet and securing a home.”

Griffiths highlighted that landlords could benefit from pet-friendly policies, as tenants with pets are often more likely to stay long-term, leading to higher financial returns. “It’s time to end this discrimination and allow suitable properties to welcome pets,” he added.

The animal welfare charity argues that allowing pets in rental homes promotes responsible pet ownership and benefits both tenants and the wider community. Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, commented, “We welcome this recommendation and are pleased our evidence was heard. During our annual Adoptober rehoming drive, it’s vital that we encourage policies that support pet ownership in rented housing, especially as our centres remain under pressure to find homes for rescue animals.”

Rising demand for rehoming

New figures from RSPCA reveal a concerning trend: in 2023, RSPCA centres across England and Wales saw a 42% increase in animals arriving compared to those rehomed. While the charity’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independent branches found new homes for over 28,000 animals last year, over 40,000 animals arrived, leading to overcrowded shelters.

Karen Colman, who oversees animal placement for RSPCA, highlighted the benefits of any policy changes that facilitate responsible pet ownership. “Our rescue centres are overwhelmed, and we hope that easing restrictions on pet ownership in rented properties will help more animals find loving homes,” she said.

Seeking new homes

RSPCA Newport Animal Centre is seeking a new home for Baby, a one-year-old tabby who was brought in after a difficult birthing experience. Baby is now ready for adoption and would do well in an adult-only home, potentially with another calm feline. Meanwhile, guinea pigs Hercules and Squash have been waiting for 109 days at the Bryn Y Maen Centre in Upper Colwyn Bay. The pair are friendly and would thrive in a home where they can continue to grow in confidence.

Supporting landlords and tenants

RSPCA Cymru has long advocated for pet-friendly rental policies, producing model tenancy agreements and guidance for landlords to support responsible pet ownership. As part of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, the charity recommends that landlords receive materials on pet policies during their registration process.

With the committee’s recommendations now public, RSPCA Cymru awaits the Welsh Government’s response, hoping it will usher in a new era for pet ownership in rented homes across Wales. Further details on RSPCA’s campaigns are available on the charity’s website as it marks its 200th anniversary this year.

TENBY lifeboatman Rob Garland has recently achieved a significant career milestone, qualifying as a Deputy Coxswain after an intensive training and assessment program both locally at Tenby and Angle, as well as at the RNLI College in Poole.

Rob follows in the footsteps of a proud family tradition of service with the RNLI. His great-grandfather, Thomas Benjamin Richards, and great-uncle, Josh Richards, both served as station Coxswains, while his other great-uncles, Stanley and Reggie Richards, and his grandfather, Peter Richards, all served as crew members. Collectively, his family has contributed an impressive 200 years of service to the RNLI.

Rob is pictured receiving congratulations from Marc Gibbons, RNLI trainer and assessor, alongside Coxswain Lisa Viggers.