Community

RNLI safety cover for Ironman swimmers

Published

10 years ago

September 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

On hand: 50 Lifeguards were ready to step in if they were needed (Pic. Stephen Lowe)

THE RNLI had one of its busiest Welsh weekends of the year as Ironman Wales returned to Tenby. The charity again provided comprehensive safety cover for the swim section of the triathlon event, which has gained a reputation as one of the country’s most gruelling endurance challenges. A team of about 50 RNLI lifeguards from across Wales, supported by about 30 Atlantic College students from the Vale of Glamorgan, watched over almost 1,800 athletes as they took to the water at about 7am on Sunday (Sept 13).

The field, which included some of the world’s top Ironman competitors, took part in a 2.4-mile swim off Tenby North Beach in the first stage of the three-discipline race. RNLI lifeguards were stationed along the two-lap swimming route and a number of swimmers needed assistance in the water, but thankfully there were no serious incidents. Lifeguards used rescue boards, rescue water craft and inshore rescue boats as part of their safety cover.

Volunteer lifeboat crew members from Tenby RNLI were also on the water in the station’s D-class lifeboat, while the station’s all-weather Tamar class lifeboat was launched and on the water for a period in the morning. Adam Pitman, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “Lots of planning and preparation went into making sure the RNLI helped provided a world-class safety cover for what has become a world-class event.

“All the emergency services were again fully prepared, and the safety cover provided by the RNLI, Coastguard teams and paramedics meant every Ironman competitor was in the best possible hands.” The lifeguard team also provided safety patrols for the two practice swim sessions on Tenby North Beach on Friday and Saturday mornings.

There was some rough seas and high winds for the Friday swim, but the conditions on race day were slightly calmer. Athletes representing 30 countries took part in this year’s race and after the 2.4-mile sea swim the participants headed off on a 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon run. American Jesse Thomas, who competed in his first full ironman race, took the title in a time of 8hrs 57mins 33secs.

Community

PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

Published

5 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston VC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.

As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.

PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.

Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

Community

Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

Published

5 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A VISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.

Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.
“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”

Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.
Mrs Watson added: “It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”

The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.

Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.

The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.

The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.

Community

Woodland at Tenby school targeted by vandals

Published

21 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE school’s woodland area has been targeted by vandals in a spate of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

The incident occurred in the woodland behind Ysgol Hafan y Môr on Heywood Lane, Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed, and a joint patrol with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has since taken place.

Tracey Davies, from the fire service’s arson reduction team, and PCSO Ffion Thomas visited the site earlier this week to assess the situation and reassure the community.

Posting on the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police Facebook page, they said: “ASB and criminal damage will not be tolerated in this area, and we will be taking positive action regarding this.”

They urged members of the public to report any further incidents to Dyfed-Powys Police using the following contact methods:

🖥️ | https://orlo.uk/KxdYo
📧 | [email protected]
📞 | 101