Community
Extra support helps more Pembrokeshire children learn to swim
Additional funding from Long Course Weekend Legacy Fund boosts local school swimming programme
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and Pembrokeshire Leisure have announced that extra support from Activity Wales, through the Long Course Weekend Legacy Fund, will help extend school swimming provision across the county — ensuring that more children and schools receive the help they need most.
The core school swimming programme continues to be funded by Pembrokeshire County Council, providing every primary school in the county with access to this essential life skill.
More instructors to help pupils most in need
Thanks to the additional Legacy funding, Pembrokeshire Leisure will now be able to employ an extra qualified swimming instructor to work alongside the existing school swimming instructor.
This will allow for more focused support for schools and pupils who would benefit most, helping to ensure that every child has the chance to become a confident and safe swimmer.
Above-average results across Pembrokeshire
School swimming lessons offer much more than time in the pool — they provide a purposeful introduction to water, teaching vital swimming, water confidence, and safety skills that children can use throughout their lives.
Pembrokeshire’s commitment to school swimming is already delivering strong results. During the 2024/25 academic year, 62% of children in Years 3–6 achieved the national swimming standard, well above the national average of less than 40%.
In addition, 80% of pupils leaving Year 6 achieved the National Curriculum standard, showing the impact of sustained local investment and dedicated instruction.
Partners united in water safety mission
Pembrokeshire Leisure and the Long Course Weekend fully support Swim Wales and Water Safety Wales’ belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe around water.
Together, they encourage all pupils to achieve the Nofio Ysgol Gold Award — the recognised minimum standard for swimming and self-rescue skills by the end of primary school.
All primary schools in Pembrokeshire currently access school swimming lessons, ensuring that every child in the county has the opportunity to learn this vital life skill.
Partnership working makes a splash
This collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Leisure, Activity Wales and the Long Course Weekend demonstrates the power of partnership in helping every child thrive, both in and out of the water.
Matthew Evans, CEO of Long Course Weekend, said:
“The results from our Legacy Programme have been nothing short of incredible — a real testament to what can be achieved when communities and partners come together with purpose.
“LCW has become so much more than an event; it’s a platform to give back, to inspire, and to invest in the next generation of Pembrokeshire’s children.
“What Mel [Morgan, PCC Swimming Teacher] and her team have accomplished is truly unparalleled in Wales. This year we’re taking it even further, launching a free open-water swim programme for children — made possible only through the generosity of our athletes and the unwavering support of partners like Hugh James and Princes Gate Water, whose belief in this mission continues to elevate the Legacy Programme to new heights.”
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said:
“Our ongoing partnership with the Long Course Weekend, supported through their legacy funding, has enabled Pembrokeshire Leisure to enhance our school learn-to-swim programme.
“This collaboration has achieved its aim of giving local schoolchildren the best possible opportunity to develop this vital life skill. We are extremely grateful for their contribution, which, alongside our core provision, has allowed us to deliver targeted support that makes a real difference for those most in need.”
Caption:
Cllr Marc Tierney (Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Wellbeing and Future Generations), Mel Morgan (School Swimming Teacher), Gary Nicholas (Leisure Services Manager) and Matthew Evans (CEO of Long Course Weekend).
Community
Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock
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
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
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.
-
Local Government3 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
News6 days agoBarley Saturday brings bumper crowds to Cardigan
-
Community1 day agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Sport6 days agoGoodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts
-
Sport5 days agoNarberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit
-
News4 days agoSPECIAL FEATURE: Did Chernobyl affect children in Wales?
-
Crime3 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime2 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault







