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Welsh Water warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs

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WELSH WATER warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs: Llys y fran-36
With the Easter holidays upon us, Welsh Water is warning people not to risk their lives by unauthorised swimming in its reservoirs.

Every year in Wales, hundreds of individuals and families visit reservoirs and take to the water to swim, paddle, or use inflatables, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but unauthorised access to the water at reservoirs can kill and is never allowed.

Statistics show there is an average of 45 water related fatalities in Wales every year and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.

Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites.

The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.

The last few weeks have seen dry weather with plenty of spring sunshine, conditions that tempt some to take the plunge at reservoirs without realising the dangers involved.

Welsh Water’s Rangers patrol the company’s reservoirs, ensuring everyone is safe and dissuading unauthorised swimming in the water.

Maddy Rawlings, Head Ranger at Llandegfedd said: “We want everyone to enjoy the reservoir safely – which is why it’s important that any access to the reservoir only takes place during planned and life guarded activities or swim sessions. During my time as a Ranger at Llandegfedd, I have had countless encounters and incidents in which I have had to ask members of the public to leave the water due to the dangers involved, many of which they are unaware of. We aren’t here to spoil anyone having fun – we’re here to keep the public safe.’’

Private security companies have also been hired to help with this work.

Welsh Water do offer safe, supervised, and accredited open water swimming sessions at some Visitor Attraction sites across Wales. It also offers water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.

Jack Bailey, Activity Manager at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff said: “We know that open water swimming has great benefits for physical and mental wellbeing – but unauthorised swimming can pose serious risks. Always prioritise safety over spontaneity and book an organised open water swimming or cold water dipping session at one of our Welsh Water visitor attractions sites. We provide a safe way to enjoy the water, nature and the benefits they can bring.”

Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group made up of organisations committed to working on water safety and drowning prevention in Wales.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: “With the lovely weather we’ve been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning. We’re asking everyone to stay safe this summer by keeping out of the reservoirs. If you are in difficulty in the water, Float To Live – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can them swim to safety or shout for help.

“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to Float To Live and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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