News

Tenby RNLI lifeguards save two teenagers from drowning

Published

8 months ago

August 29, 2025

RNLI lifeguards patrolling at Tenby Castle Beach have saved two teenagers after they were caught in a rip current and swept out to sea.

THE LIFESAVING charity are reminding the public of the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach over the final week of the summer holidays.

On Tuesday (Aug 26), stormy conditions hit the coast of west Wales following Hurricane Erin. RNLI lifeguards across Pembrokeshire were forced to red flag a number of beaches as they were deemed as unsafe, due to the combination of big surf and wind which heightens the risk of rip currents.

Four teenagers walked down towards the water on the Paragon (a stretch of beach that connects Castel Beach and South Beach). A patrolling RNLI lifeguard (LG) walked the 200m to reach the group and advised them against entering the water in that location, due to the big surf and strong rip currents. The lifeguard team had set up a red and yellow flagged swim zone on Castle Beach.

Shortly after returning to their post, the LG spotted that two of the group had entered the water and appeared to be struggling. Two LGs quickly equipped themselves with a rescue tube and a rescue board and made best speed to the casualties.

On approach, one of the teenagers could be heard shouting; ‘Help me please, I don’t want to die!’ The second had been dragged 150m out to sea and looked unresponsive, having been submerged for more than two minutes.

Carl Amos, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor and one of the team who entered the water said: ‘We knew we needed to get to the unresponsive casualty as soon as possible. I swam out with fins and a rescue tube, whilst my colleague Liam Nash paddled out on a rescue board. The sets were rolling in heavily which made it tough to reach the casualties. I clipped the first casualty into the rescue tube and Liam got the unresponsive casualty onto his board.’

Both casualties were returned to shore where LG Daisy Da Gama Howells was waiting to assess their condition and administer any casualty care first aid. The second casualty was struggling to breathe so was administered oxygen.

The lifeguards decided that the best way to extract the casualty from the beach was to strap him to a rescue board and carry him to the nearby Tenby RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Station to meet the ambulance. The paramedics confirmed that both casualties had water on the lungs and took them to hospital for further assessment.

During this incident, LG Ffion Mabey was patrolling the red and yellow swim zone, keeping the beach safe for the 50+ people who were enjoying the surf.

Carl continued: ‘This incident is an example of why we give preventative advice and encourage people to swim between the red and yellow flags. The conditions on Tuesday were challenging due to the big waves and strong currents.

‘I’m really proud of my team’s response, everyone put their training to use and effectively rescued two people in serious trouble in the water. We provided casualty care first aid and handed them over to the care of the paramedics. This was all whilst the beach remained operational with a busy swim zone to watch over.

‘We’re reminding the public to choose a lifeguarded beach if they’re planning on going in the water in the final week of the summer holidays.

‘Had we not been there to help on Tuesday, the outcome could’ve been very different for the casualties.’

Tirion Dowsett, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support said: ‘It’s vitally important that the public are aware of the dangers that the sea can pose. On this occasion, the sea was rougher than usual which increases the likelihood and strength of rip currents.

‘If you find yourself caught in a rip current, remember not to fight against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim, or swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the current, then head for the beach.

‘If you find yourself unable to return to shore, remember to Float to Live. Preserve your energy by floating and then when you’re able, wave and shout for help.

‘If you see anyone in difficulty along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. RNLI lifeguards patrol from 10am-6pm and volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew are on call 24/7 to come to your aid.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
Relax and control your breathing
Move your hands and legs around to help you stay afloat
Your legs may sink, that’s ok – we all float differently
Practice swimming at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

RNLI advice if caught in a rip current:

Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
If you can stand, wade back to shore rather than swim
If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
Always raise your hand and shout for help
If your struggling, conserve your energy and Float to Live.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.