A TENBY lifeguard is hoping to inspire the next generation through art and lifesaving after creating original artwork to celebrate 25 years of the RNLI’s lifeguard service.

Gwen Evans, 23, a senior beach lifeguard with the South Pembrokeshire team, has produced two pieces marking the milestone and encouraging people to join or support the charity’s lifesaving work.

The artwork has been installed at the RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit on Tenby South Beach.

Gwen said: “I’ve always lived by the sea and grew up watching the RNLI beach lifeguards in Pembrokeshire. After being a keen swimmer my whole life, I wanted a job that would allow me to be active and use my strength in the water.

“My favourite part about being an RNLI lifeguard is interacting with the public, offering helpful safety advice and educating people so they can enjoy their time on the beaches I’ve grown up on.”

Gwen has worked as a lifeguard for five years and has progressed to become one of the senior lifeguards in the team.

Senior lifeguards are responsible for the team working on the beach, running patrols and co-ordinating rescues and casualty care when required.

She said: “It can sometimes feel daunting being a senior, as you are responsible for all the guards working that day, not to mention the whole beach.

“It is a great opportunity though and has definitely helped to boost my confidence, making me progress and develop my leadership and lifeguarding skills.

“After working for the service for the past five years, it’s always nice to see returning beachgoers each season, especially the people we’ve helped who often recognise and support us year after year.”

Art inspired by the coast

Away from lifeguarding, Gwen is an illustration student at Arts University Plymouth and hopes to pursue a career in art.

She said her work is inspired by marine life, the coast, local places and personal experiences.

Gwen added: “Growing up by the coast I’ve always been inspired by the RNLI, and I wanted to create something to support our lifesaving efforts as a charity that relies on the generous support of the public.

“I want to use my art to support charity causes and educate people while showcasing a fun, eye-catching experience.”

The RNLI beach lifeguard service was rolled out in Pembrokeshire in 2008. Since then, lifeguards in the county have saved 164 lives, the highest number recorded in Wales.

New figures also show that RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire have aided a further 15,513 people and carried out 1,799 rescues since the service began.

With Tenby remaining one of Wales’ busiest seaside destinations, lifeguards are expecting another busy summer season.

Gwen said: “As RNLI lifeguards we encourage you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and come and talk to us, even when the beach is busy. We’re here to answer questions and are always happy to help.

“I wanted to use my art as a way to give back to the charity that saves lives every day.

“If my art can spark conversation, inspire future lifeguards or simply raise more awareness of our safety advice, then it has achieved exactly what I intended.”

Gwen will return to lifeguarding on the South Pembrokeshire beaches at the end of June.

Her artistic work can be followed on Instagram at @saltandinkstudio.

RNLI safety advice

The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
• Relax and try to breathe normally.
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.
• It is okay if your legs sink, as everyone floats differently.
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
• Anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, visit the RNLI website.

A MAN was rescued after becoming cut off by the tide at Freshwater East on Wednesday night (Jun 10).

Tenby RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9:30pm after HM Coastguard received a 999 call from the man, who had climbed part of the cliff but had become stuck.

The volunteer crew made best speed to the reported location, around 7.5 miles west of Tenby, and began searching the area using powerful searchlights.

After the casualty was located, the lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover while a Coastguard rescue helicopter arrived.

The man was then winched to safety at the top of the cliff, where members of the Coastguard rescue team were waiting.

With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station, arriving back at 10:50pm.

THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.

Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.

Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.

Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.