RNLI issues tidal safety warning in Wales ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

2 months ago

April 29, 2026

PEOPLE VISITING THE COAST ARE BEING URGED TO CHECK TIDE TIMES AS SPRING TIDES ARE EXPECTED OVER THE MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

THE RNLI has issued a tidal safety warning ahead of the bank holiday weekend following an increase in people being cut off by the tide.

The charity is urging anyone planning coastal walks or beach visits over the next few days to be cautious, check tide times before setting out, and make sure they have a way of calling for help.

The warning comes after RNLI crews rescued a man at Rhossili, on Gower, Swansea, on Saturday morning after he was cut off by the incoming tide at Worms Head.

Both Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat stations responded to the incident and the man was safely brought back to Rhossili.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, said: “With the May bank holiday a prime opportunity for coastal walks, it’s important to be safe.

“Tide times and heights vary throughout the month, and the incoming tide can easily leave people stranded, requiring assistance.

“There will be spring tides over this coming weekend, meaning a greater difference between low and high tide. At high tide, the water comes in further and can move faster than on smaller tides.

“On bigger tides, places will be cut off by the tide more quickly than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.

“If you find yourself, or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Tirion Dowsett, Water Safety Delivery Support, said anyone visiting the coast should check tide times before travelling.

She said: “If you are planning on visiting the coast over the next few days, check the tide times before you go.

“If you can’t understand the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.

“Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

“If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The RNLI is also reminding people of its Float to Live advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water.

Anyone struggling in the water should tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax, and float on their back with their arms and legs spread out like a starfish.

Once breathing is under control, they should signal for help by shouting and waving.

Busy Saturday for VC Gallery as veterans, families and pupils rally behind charity

Published

15 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community spirit shines across Haverfordwest with museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and school sleep-out

THE VC GALLERY enjoyed one of its busiest Saturdays of the year as staff, volunteers, veterans and supporters spread across Haverfordwest for a packed day of community events.

From military artefacts at Pembrokeshire College to a riverside art exhibition, a veterans’ breakfast and a charity sleep-out involving local pupils, the veteran-led charity was at the centre of activity across the county town.

At Pembrokeshire College, the charity’s popular “Speak to a Veteran” initiative proved a success, with the VC mobile museum drawing attention from students and visitors alike. A range of military artefacts on display sparked conversations and helped veterans share stories and experiences with members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Veterans Breakfast at Waldo Lounge saw the VC minibus deployed to help bring people together, with staff at the restaurant praised for making attendees feel welcome.

The charity thanked Myles for driving and Gareth for helping organise the event.

On the riverside in Haverfordwest, the VC Gallery showcased artwork at its new gallery space, where RAF veteran Mark hosted members of the public throughout the day.

Back at Waldo Lounge, Charles, Donna, Phil, Rose, Lucy, Nia and the wider VC team kept busy with duck sales and jewellery workshops as families gathered for the afternoon activities. Pembrokeshire’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Hayley, was also among those lending support.

As day turned to night, pupils from Haverfordwest High VC School took part in a sponsored sleep-out to raise money for the charity, hearing first-hand about homelessness from veteran Pete.

The event saw pupils spending the night outdoors alongside former military personnel to better understand the realities faced by some ex-service men and women.

The day also included the Waldo duck race on the river, helping round off what the charity described as “an amazing community” effort.

Photo caption: Busy day: VC Gallery teams, veterans and supporters took part in events across Haverfordwest on Saturday, including museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and a charity sleep-out (Pic: VC Gallery).

Charity

Family’s £570 donation in memory of devoted RNLI supporter

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.

Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.

Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.

Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.

Charity

Henry Tufnell visits St Davids RNLI lifeboat station

Published

3 days ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MP pledges to raise funding and regulation concerns after meeting volunteer crew at St Justinian

HENRY TUFNELL MP has visited St Davids RNLI lifeboat station to hear first-hand about the work of its volunteer crew.

The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP met crew members at St Justinian, where he was briefed on some of the rescue missions carried out by the station off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Mr Tufnell said the visit had highlighted both the dedication of the lifeboat crew and the pressures facing the service.

He said: “It was a privilege to visit the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat at St Justinian and hear first-hand about some of the remarkable rescue missions the crew have undertaken.

“They do extraordinary work keeping our community safe.”

Mr Tufnell added that crew members had also raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including funding and regulation.

He said: “It was also important to hear about the ongoing challenges they face, particularly regarding funding and regulation.

“As your MP, I will continue to champion and protect the interests of our community heroes in Westminster.”

The RNLI station at St Davids is one of Pembrokeshire’s key coastal rescue bases, serving a busy and often challenging stretch of coastline popular with walkers, kayakers, boat users and visitors.

The charity relies on volunteer crews and public support to continue its lifesaving work.