Community
RNLI warning as big surf set to hit Pembrokeshire after bank holiday
Rescue charity urges visitors to choose lifeguarded beaches
THE RNLI has issued a safety warning ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, with unusually large surf conditions forecast to build on Monday (Aug 25) and peak into Tuesday.
The biggest waves are expected along south and west-facing coastlines, increasing the risk of powerful rip currents. The warning comes after lifeguards in Pembrokeshire carried out dozens of rescues earlier this month.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: “We want people to enjoy the bank holiday, but with this big surf and spring tides arriving, the risks are much higher. Always choose a lifeguarded beach where possible, and remember our Float to Live advice.”
In recent weeks lifeguards have been called into action across Pembrokeshire:
- At Freshwater West on Friday 8 August, 16 people were rescued and more than 40 assisted in a single day.
- At Newgale over the weekend of 9-10 August, six people were rescued and seven more assisted, most of them outside the flagged patrol zones.
- At Tenby Castle Beach on 11 August, six people were rescued after inflatables and paddleboards were swept towards St Catherine’s Island.
- Further rescues followed at Newgale and Freshwater West, including 14 people on 12 August and two young children on 15 August who were pulled from a rip current by a lifeguard on a rescue board.
RNLI lifeguards say the majority of incidents involve swimmers, bodyboarders and paddleboarders caught in rip currents, or children using inflatables in unsuitable conditions.
George Morgan, Senior Lifeguard in North Pembrokeshire, said: “When we have bigger swell and stronger winds, rescues increase sharply. Red flags are placed to mark dangerous currents and sometimes cover the whole beach – please don’t ignore them. We’ve also dealt with a number of unsupervised children getting into difficulty. Parents must always keep watch.”
RNLI safety advice
- If caught in a rip current: don’t swim against it, try to wade if possible, or swim parallel to shore until clear. Conserve energy, Float to Live, and signal for help.
- To Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and control your breathing, and use your hands and legs to stay afloat.
Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
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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