Charity
RNLI offers winter safety advice as lifeguard patrols end in Wales
THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.
This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.
“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.
“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.
“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.
Charity
Guide dogs campaign highlights access challenges during festive season
THE FESTIVE season brings joy for many but poses challenges for guide dog owners, who often face stress and exclusion due to illegal access refusals. Despite laws protecting their rights, an alarming 90% of guide dog owners report being denied access to businesses and services, including taxis, shops, and hospitality venues.
Sue Canham, a guide dog owner from Tenby, has experienced such discrimination firsthand. Recently, six taxis at Cardiff train station refused to transport her and her guide dog. Sue has also faced refusals at restaurants and pubs, raising serious concerns about the treatment of visually impaired individuals.
Widespread discrimination
Research from Guide Dogs, a leading charity for individuals with sight loss, highlights a significant lack of awareness. Only 42% of the public are aware that guide dogs are legally allowed in most businesses. In the past year alone, 72% of guide dog owners reported access refusals, with 41% of these incidents occurring in food and drink establishments.
Such refusals not only violate the law but also take a toll on the mental and social well-being of those affected. Nearly 80% of guide dog owners admitted altering their plans or avoiding certain venues due to fear of refusal.
Ruby Jay, a guide dog owner from Colchester, shared her experiences: “I’ve been illegally refused service about 25 times this year. It’s humiliating and stressful. I’m even skipping my Christmas party to avoid facing another rejection.”
A call for inclusion
Guide Dogs is urging businesses to prioritize education and staff training, especially during the festive season, to foster a more inclusive environment for guide dog owners.
Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy at Guide Dogs, said “Access refusals are almost always illegal and deeply isolating, particularly during a time meant for celebration. We’re calling on businesses to ensure their staff are aware of the law and to make inclusion a priority this Christmas.”
Key statistics
- Discrimination remains prevalent: 90% of guide dog owners have faced access refusals.
- Awareness is low: More than 70% of customer-facing staff report receiving no training on the rights of assistance dog users.
- Well-being impact: Half of those refused access report being treated disrespectfully, and some have encountered aggression.
- Public support for inclusivity: 64% of people would avoid businesses that discriminate against guide dog owners.
Steps toward change
The “Open Doors” campaign by Guide Dogs aims to bridge the awareness gap by encouraging businesses to educate their staff about the legal rights of guide dog owners. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure a more inclusive and welcoming festive season for everyone.
For more information, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/opendoors.
Caption: Tenby resident Sue Canham is among many guide dog owners advocating for equal access this Christmas season (Pic: Herald).
Charity
RSPCA reports large rise in pet neglect cases in Wales
The RSPCA has revealed a distressing 12% increase in animal neglect reports in Wales during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. With 3,163 cases reported between January and September, up from 2,822 in 2023, the charity fears the situation will worsen as financial pressures mount during the festive season.
Counties hit hardest
Rhondda Cynon Taf recorded the highest number of neglect reports (266), closely followed by Cardiff (262) and Swansea (237).
Across England and Wales, the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line logged 48,814 incidents of neglect during the same period, marking a 25% increase from 2023’s 38,977 cases. On average, one incident is reported every four minutes, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Festive fears
The RSPCA, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, attributes the rise in neglect and abandonment to the surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.
Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “A 12% rise in neglect calls in Wales is deeply concerning, especially as winter brings increased financial pressures. With energy bills, Christmas costs, and other challenges, we fear the trend will continue.”
She added: “Every four minutes, we receive a report of neglect. Coupled with a 30% rise in abandonment cases over the last three years, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges pets and their owners face. But together, through our Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, we can make a difference.”
Heartwarming rescue: Patsy Pancake
One of the year’s most remarkable rescues involved a Shih Tzu affectionately named Patsy Pancake. Found abandoned in Bridgend in January, Patsy was in a critical condition, with a matted coat contaminated by faeces and sepsis threatening her life.
Thanks to prompt veterinary care and RSPCA foster support, Patsy made a miraculous recovery. Now officially adopted by her foster carer, Jayne, Patsy is thriving alongside another rescued Shih Tzu, Ruby Bish Fingers.
Jayne shared: “Patsy Pancake has transformed into a sassy, vocal, and loving dog. She’s settled wonderfully with my other pets, including Ruby, and I couldn’t let her go after fostering her.”
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper praised the community’s role in Patsy’s rescue. “It was touch and go, but thanks to incredible veterinary staff and a caring finder, Patsy has a second chance at life.”
Help for struggling pet owners
The RSPCA has launched a cost-of-living hub offering advice and support for those in financial difficulty. In Wales, the charity’s branches have established the Wales Pet Food Bank, distributing donations to food banks across the country.
To locate your nearest pet food bank or seek assistance, visit the RSPCA website: Wales Pet Food Bank.
As the festive season approaches, the RSPCA urges the public to support its life-saving work through donations and by joining the Join the Christmas Rescue campaign.
Charity
Family thank Tenby RNLI for giving their daughter the gift of life this Christmas
A WELSH family have been reunited with Tenby RNLI volunteers who saved their daughter after she was swept a mile out to sea whilst paddleboarding.
On Thursday 5 December, David, Kiki and Lilly Evans visited Tenby Lifeboat Station to bring festive cheer and thank the volunteers who saved Lilly’s life earlier this year.
It was a summer’s day, Saturday 30 July 2024, when the Evans family headed to Pendine Beach to enjoy the evening. 14-year-old Lilly was paddleboarding in the shallows when the wind picked up and began to blow her out to sea.
Her parents noticed immediately. In a state of panic, Lily’s dad David entered the water to try to reach his daughter whilst her mum Kiki called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. Lilly was swiftly being blown further out to sea, David tried to swim after her but was unable to reach her.
David said: ‘I was shouting out to her to come back in and she was screaming that she couldn’t. I was in pure panic when I realised I couldn’t get to her. I looked back at my wife, who was on her knees screaming.’
HM Coastguard tasked Tenby RNLI lifeboat to the scene. The volunteer crew launched the All-Weather lifeboat and made their way to Pendine. On arrival, they located Lilly a mile offshore.
Lilly was helped onboard the lifeboat and checked over before the crew safely returned her to her family who were waiting on the beach.
Kiki, Lilly’s mother said: ‘When the lifeboat arrived, we couldn’t even see Lilly as she had been blown so far out to sea.
‘It was the longest wait of my life, not knowing if Lilly was alive. Somehow, she managed to stay on the paddleboard, I think a few people were looking down on her that day.
‘Hearing that the lifeboat crew had her and that she was safe, it was an indescribable feeling.
‘Lilly says she couldn’t have held on much longer. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be reunited with the crew. We can’t thank the RNLI enough for saving Lilly’s life.’
Dan Thomas RNLI Deputy Coxswain at Tenby RNLI said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure to be reunited with Lilly and her family. They’re gratitude is well received by us all.
‘We’re all so pleased to see the Evans family before Christmas. At this time of year, it means so much to see the impact our lifesaving work has on families like the Evans.
‘If you spot someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, just as Lilly’s mother did. That quick action can be the lifesaving difference.
‘Without that 999 phone call and our crew launching the lifeboat on the 30 July, the outcome could have been very different. Thank you to everyone who supports and donates to our lifesaving charity. We can’t save lives without you.’
David will be running both the Newport and London Marathons to raise funds for the RNLI. His Gofundme page has already received more than £2000 in donations, it can be found at: https://gofund.me/27de8c2cl
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