Charity

RNLI host ‘Find Your Float’ event for World Drowning Prevention Day 2025

Published

9 months ago

July 24, 2025

THE RNLI have hosted an event inviting people to ‘Find Your Float’ for World Drowning Prevention Day, supported by Paralympic and European para-rowing Champion, Ben Pritchard, and water safety campaigner Maxine Johnson.

This World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July) the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has launched a ‘Find Your Float’ campaign to encourage people to practise vital self-rescue and survival techniques. In support of this campaign, the RNLI held an event held at UWC Atlantic College this week, inviting a diverse group of participants to practice the lifesaving float technique.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead says: ‘We wanted to host this event in support of the campaign so people could get in the water themselves and practice floating – a technique we know saves lives.

‘At the RNLI we are aware of at least 50 people who have used floating to help save themselves after getting into difficulty in the water. With the start of the summer holidays, many families and young people are planning on spending time at the coast and near water over the coming weeks – so we want to get as many people as possible to “Find Your Float” and have a go floating.

‘Everyone can float, although not everybody floats in the same way, so the more people we get finding out what floating looks and feels like for them by practising in a safe and supervised environment, the more potential lives that could be saved.’

Ben Pritchard, gold-medal winning Paralympic and European para-rower, and former RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguard, was one of the participants who got in the water to find his float. Ben said:

‘I think for people in my position who have spinal injuries or are (wheel)chair users, this is a really important campaign, because our instant worry is that we do sink because we don’t have core control, we don’t have muscle activation to help us get up.

‘And what I found in the water today… even though my feet were dropping down, my airway was clear, just by making sure my ears were under the water and I was leaning back.

‘So I think for anyone that has mobility issues or may worry that they are not strong enough – the easiest thing was just to relax, tilt your head back, get those ears in the water and float.

‘Don’t be afraid to take a moment to relax as that will help you float. In instances where you fall in the water, or you may find yourself in trouble – relax. Get those ears in the water, get that airway clear and give yourself two minutes, and then start shouting for help and trying to get attention.’

Maxine Johnson’s son Reuben was 15 when he drowned after getting into difficulty in Pontsticill Reservoir, Bannau Brycheiniog in 2006. Since that heartbreaking incident, Maxine has campaigned tirelessly in the water safety space to spread lifesaving messages in the hope that no other family goes through what they have.

Maxine says: ‘Supporting “Find Your Float” for World Drowning Prevention Day means we are highlighting the dangers that open water can present and the importance of water safety education.

‘No one ever thinks it will happen to them, or their friend or family member – but the truth is, anyone can get into difficulty in the water.’

It was a very hot day when Reuben was celebrating with friends after finishing his GCSEs. They entered the water to swim across the reservoir and Reuben suffered cold-water shock, tragically never making it to the other side.

‘The impact of our loss is indescribable, but I want to make sure that other parents, children and young people, don’t go through the same pain we’ve suffered. I am keeping Reuben’s memory alive through raising awareness.’

Chris added: ‘The rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole, so we want everyone of all age groups and backgrounds to go and find your float. Practice in your local swimming pool, or at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags.

‘Having Maxine’s and Ben’s support for our “Find Your Float” event is a powerful message that we should all take the time to practice this lifesaving technique – as you never know when you might need it.’

The NWSF has revealed that young people are the most high-risk group for accidental drowning in the UK. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), more than a quarter (26 per cent) of all accidental drowning deaths that occurred in the last five years (2020 to 2024 inclusive) were young people aged 10 to 29.

Sadly, warm weather is a known factor in increasing these numbers – when the weather turns hot, many teenagers and young adults head to the water to socialise and cool off, often unaware of the dangers open water presents.

Because of this worrying correlation, water safety experts are urging anyone planning to spend time on or near the water this summer to prepare themselves for an emergency by practising an essential self-rescue skill: floating.

Floating is a science-backed, lifesaving technique that works in both salt and fresh water.^[i] Everyone can float, although not everybody floats in the same way. Professor Mike Tipton, Chair of the NWSF and leading global voice in water safety said:

‘The hugely important “Find Your Float” campaign is designed to teach people – including the young – proven life-saving behaviour and encourages them to practice it, preparing them should they ever need to use it. I encourage everyone to get involved; a couple of hours devoted to “finding your float” could save decades of life.’

The RNLI shares a special history with UWC Atlantic College. The development of the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) by students and staff at the college in the 60s and 70s was a revolutionary moment in boating design. The RIB became the model for the RNLI’s B class Atlantic lifeboats, with today’s Atlantic 85 as the latest model and the workhorse of the RNLI’s lifesaving fleet.

A UWC Atlantic Spokesperson said: “At UWC Atlantic, our legacy in lifesaving and water safety education dates back to the development of the first RIB (rigid inflatable boat), which was designed here and later donated to the RNLI. That spirit of innovation and service lives on today, and we’re proud to be part of this vital campaign – promoting the skills, knowledge, and awareness that continue to save lives.’

How to find your float:

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’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

For more information about the ‘Find your Float’ campaign and World Drowning Prevention Day, visit respectthewater.com.

Charity

Tenby Golf Club raises more than £50,000 for Welsh charities

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fundraising efforts by members, staff and supporters continue to make a major difference to good causes across Wales

TENBY GOLF CLUB has raised more than £50,000 for Welsh charities in recent seasons, with members, staff, visitors and local sponsors all playing their part in a remarkable community fundraising effort.

The club’s long-standing commitment to supporting good causes has gathered pace in the years since the return to golf after the Covid pandemic, with captains and members continuing to rally behind charities close to their hearts.

Among the organisations to benefit are Kidney Wales, Epilepsy Wales, Alzheimer’s Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association, British Heart Foundation, RNLI, Paul Sartori Foundation and Greenacres Rescue.

Some of the most significant recent donations include £12,500 for Alzheimer’s Society and more than £8,000 for the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The Herald understands the money has been raised through a combination of raffles, donations, fundraising days, prize contributions and sponsorship, as well as the time and effort freely given by club members and supporters.

***Charity support: Members of Tenby Golf Club present funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation***

Community spirit

Each year, the Club Captain, Ladies Captain and Seniors Captain choose charities to support, helping to ensure the club’s fundraising reflects personal causes as well as wider community needs.

This year, Tenby Golf Club is continuing in the same spirit, with fundraising focused on the DPJ Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society and Wales Air Ambulance.

A recent fundraising day alone raised £1,600 for Wales Air Ambulance, underlining the enthusiasm within the club for backing Welsh charities and community organisations.

The club has thanked everyone who has supported the fundraising efforts over the years, from those buying raffle tickets to those donating prizes, volunteering at events or helping to organise activities behind the scenes.

***Major donation: Tenby Golf Club members hand over £12,500 to Alzheimer’s Society***

Proud history

Founded in 1888, Tenby Golf Club is the oldest affiliated golf club in Wales. Originally opened as a nine-hole course, it was extended to 18 holes in 1907 after legendary course designer James Braid was commissioned to develop the layout.

In more recent years, the course has been extended from a par 69 to a par 72, with several holes reshaped both to increase length and to respond to the challenges of coastal erosion.

Tenby Golf Club has also earned national recognition within the sport, having been named Welsh Golf Club of the Year in 2014 and ranked among the Rolex World Top 1,000 golf courses.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s must-play courses, it has hosted national, county and PGA tournaments, while Rhys Harry serves as the club’s on-site golf professional and award-winning coach.

But beyond its golfing reputation, the club’s fundraising success is another sign of the important role it continues to play in the local community.

***Helping save lives: Members of Tenby Golf Club support Wales Air Ambulance during a recent fundraising event***

Cover image:

Lifeboat backing: Tenby Golf Club members support the RNLI through the club’s ongoing charitable efforts

Charity

Barry Scott retires from Fishguard RNLI after years of service

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Former Launch Authority helped oversee 44 call-outs and brought decades of maritime and rescue experience to the role

A DEDICATED Fishguard RNLI volunteer has retired after years of service helping to keep the station ready for emergencies at sea.

Barry Scott stepped down from his role as Launch Authority after celebrating his birthday earlier this year and reaching the retirement age for the position.

During an eight-and-a-half-year voluntary career with Fishguard RNLI, Barry oversaw 44 shouts and played a key role in the station’s operational life.

He joined the station with a wealth of maritime and rescue experience, having spent 16 years as a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy, followed by 25 years with HM Coastguard.

As one of the station’s volunteer Launch Authorities, Barry worked on a rota providing a 24-hour link between the lifeboat station and HM Coastguard at the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Milford Haven.

When a lifeboat was requested, the on-duty Launch Authority would be paged by the Coastguard and contacted by phone with details of the incident. They would then decide whether to authorise the use of the charity’s assets, unless there was an immediate risk to life, in which case the full crew would be paged at once.

Once details of a shout were confirmed, the Launch Authority would brief either the coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat or the helm of the inshore lifeboat. They would also keep an accurate record of which crew members went to sea and which responded to the pager.

During a shout, the Launch Authority would often remain at the station, recording useful information from radio transmissions. After the lifeboats returned safely and the crew came ashore, they would consult the boat officers and crew to complete the records before submitting a formal report to RNLI Headquarters in Poole.

Asked about the standout moments of his time with Fishguard RNLI, Barry said: “The camaraderie and working with volunteers who want to achieve the best outcomes.”

He added, with a smile: “And of course the cake.”

Reflecting on his years with the charity, Barry said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with individuals from all walks of life who are willing to drop everything at any time, day or night, to help others in difficulty in all weather conditions, and still be able to maintain a sense of humour in potentially difficult situations.”

The team at Fishguard RNLI thanked Barry for his service and wished him a happy retirement, with the hope that he will now be able to enjoy full nights of sleep without the pager going off.

Fishguard RNLI is currently recruiting more Launch Authorities. Anyone living close to their local station and interested in volunteering as part of a lifesaving team is encouraged to get in touch.

Charity

Greenacres warns it may have to shut doors to new animals over £24,000 vet bill

Published

3 days ago

April 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire sanctuary says it is at breaking point and fears devastating consequences if urgent public appeal fails

GREENACRES RESCUE has warned it may be forced to shut its doors to new animals unless it can raise more than £24,000 in just 20 days to clear a huge vet bill.

The Pembrokeshire-based rescue says it is facing its toughest month yet, with a March bill of £24,113.92 and a growing number of sick, injured and abandoned animals needing urgent treatment.

In a stark public appeal, Mikey Lawlor said the sanctuary is at breaking point and may soon be left with no choice but to turn away dogs and other animals in desperate need.

He said: “I am the one that will have to say no to dogs sat on death row.”

Greenacres said it will continue to honour commitments already made to animals in its care, but warned that failing to clear the bill could force it to stop taking in new emergency cases.

The charity said that could have devastating consequences, with some animals potentially dying before they ever get the chance of rescue, while others face far longer waits for urgent help.

So far this year, the rescue says it has already raised and paid off £43,404, but described the latest demand as its most severe financial crisis yet.

Among the major cases driving the cost are Ruby, who needs a leg amputation, Clio and Spot, who both require major dental work, Dixie, who underwent specialist orthopaedic surgery to save her leg, Freddie, who needed an eye removed, Ozzie the Chihuahua, who is being treated for hydrocephalus, and Biscuit, a cat needing leg amputation.

The rescue said the strain has been fuelled by the continuing fallout from excessive breeding during the Covid lockdown period, rising abandonment, and the increasing number of animals arriving with serious medical needs.

Greenacres also stressed that routine care such as neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and parasite treatment remains essential and unavoidable.

In the appeal, Lawlor thanked supporters and praised the rescue’s vets, saying the bill reflects the sheer volume of urgent cases rather than excessive charging.

The charity is now urging the public to donate or share its appeal, warning that clearing the March bill is vital if it is to remain able to respond to the next emergency call.