Community

Bluestone teaches children water safety as Wales records UK’s highest drowning rate

Published

6 months ago

June 18, 2025

Campaign reaches schools and families across west Wales

AS PART of Drowning Prevention Week 2025 (June 14–21), Bluestone National Park Resort is expanding its efforts to educate children and families in Wales about the importance of staying safe around water.

The campaign comes as new figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal that Wales recorded the highest rate of accidental drowning in the UK last year. In 2024, 18 people lost their lives to drowning in Welsh waters—a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 population, more than twice the UK average. Over the past five years, 136 people have drowned in Wales in preventable incidents.

Taking water safety to the classroom

Determined to tackle the issue, the Blue Lagoon Water Park team at Bluestone is once again visiting primary schools across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Now in its third year, the initiative will reach over 1,000 pupils during Drowning Prevention Week, delivering interactive and practical workshops focused on water safety.

Public sessions added for 2025

For the first time, the campaign will extend beyond schools. Free public sessions will be held at McDonald’s in Milford Haven on Saturday, June 21 and in Haverfordwest on Sunday, June 22. Guests at Bluestone Resort will also be invited to attend educational sessions throughout the week.

These sessions will cover key topics including:

Recognising beach safety flags
How to call for help in an emergency
What to do if someone is in trouble in the water

‘A few simple tips can save lives’

Ruth Watson, a swimming teacher at the Blue Lagoon, said the goal is to help families enjoy the water safely this summer.

“At Bluestone, we believe the water should be fun and safe for everyone. But we also want people to understand the risks. A few simple tips can make all the difference and potentially save lives. That’s why we’re so passionate about taking this campaign directly into our communities.”

Supported by the RLSS UK

The initiative is being run in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), which coordinates Drowning Prevention Week nationally.

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We want people to enjoy the outdoors and the water this summer—but to do so safely. That’s why we’re working with Bluestone’s Blue Lagoon to bring water safety lessons to young people in west Wales.

“Teaching the Water Safety Code and encouraging conversations about staying safe can help prevent tragedies. We’re urging families to share these messages and support Drowning Prevention Week.”

Crucial timing for summer holidays

Drowning Prevention Week is one of the UK’s biggest seasonal safety campaigns, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the number of water-related fatalities.

Bluestone’s involvement forms part of its broader mission to promote wellbeing, sustainability and community education. With the summer holidays approaching, the timing of the campaign is especially important as families prepare for days out at beaches, rivers and swimming pools.

For more information about water safety and Drowning Prevention Week, visit:
www.rlss.org.uk/DPW

To learn more about Bluestone National Park Resort and the Blue Lagoon, visit:
www.bluestonewales.com

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.