News
RNLI lifeguards return to beaches for Easter weekend
RNLI lifeguards have completed their training and are set to return to three of Wales’ busiest beaches this Easter bank holiday weekend.
The charity’s lifeguards will be back at their posts on Tenby’s South beach, Aberavon and Whitmore Bay (Barry Island) from 10am Friday (3 April) ready to offer the safety advice and assistance after the winter break.
RNLI lifeguards responded to 1,261 incidents, rescued 108 people and saved 13 lives across 32 of Wales’ busiest beaches last year. Once again, Whitmore Bay was the RNLI’s busiest lifeguarded beach in Wales as the lifeguards joined local emergency services to search for missing children, rescue people caught in trouble on inflatable dinghies and responded to a variety of major and minor first aid incidents.
Stuart Thompson, South Wales RNLI Lifeguard Manager told The Herald: “It’s been a long winter and the RNLI lifeguards are looking forward to returning to Tenby South, Aberavon and Whitmore Bay this bank holiday weekend. If you’re thinking of heading to the beach this weekend we urge you to respect the water and visit a lifeguarded beach. The beach is the perfect place to relax with the family and on a lifeguarded beach there are trained professionals to help keep you and your group safe – they’ll be on hand if something goes wrong, in or out of the water.”
The RNLI are also asking the public to be prepared for all weathers when visiting the coast this weekend: “Hopefully we’ll have great weather over the Easter weekend, but please remember that the sea is still very cold and conditions can quickly change when out on the coast. Bring appropriate clothing and if you’re planning on going into the sea please remember to wear a good wetsuit to avoid suffering from the effects of cold water shock.”
Chris Payne, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leisure Services Manager, said: ‘We have some amazing beaches in Pembrokeshire and at times they can be dangerous places for the unaware. It’s great to see the RNLI Lifeguards back on duty for another summer season helping to make our beautiful beaches safer to spend leisure time with family and friends.’
RNLI lifeguards will be ready to offer safety advice and assistance from 10am-6pm throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend.
For quick and accessible beach safety hints and tips this summer, download the RNLI’s free Beach Finder App. Free and available for Apple and Android devices, the app gives you real-time weather and tide information as well as a list of lifeguarded beaches to visit this summer.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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