Community

Lifeguard helps deliver training in Philippines

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

LIFEGUARD trainers from the RNLI have travelled to the Philippines to begin delivering a lifesaving tuition course, aiming to help save hundreds of people from drowning there each year.

Chris Rigby, from Pembrokeshire, is one of two of the charity’s instructors to travel to the Camotes Islands, where they will spend five days delivering lifeguard training to 26 candidates, before spending an additional three days teaching ‘train the trainer’ skills to ten of them.

Chris travelled to the Philippines last week, ready to start the lifesaving training programme from March 17. The candidates represent a variety of organisations across the Philippines – from lifesaving clubs and Coastguard departments to fire service, police and local government – but all have a shared need; to be able to save lives in water.

The course, which has been specially designed by the RNLI, will cover the essentials of lifeguarding, including recognising when a person is in distress; how to use rescue equipment; beach surveillance; risk assessments, and rescuing and treating a casualty.

After the training, the candidates will return to their respective areas of the Philippines better equipped to save lives from drowning. Those who have received the ‘train the trainer’ tuition will also have the skills to share their learning with others, so they can continue growing and developing their organisations into the future.

Steve Wills, the RNLI’s international development manager, explains: “Drowning is sadly a common occurrence in the Philippines. Many drowning deaths are preventable if there are trained lifesavers on hand to respond quickly and take the right action to carry out rescues and save lives.

“The course our trainers will deliver covers the absolute essentials of lifeguarding. Our priority is that we leave the candidates better equipped with knowledge and skills to save lives and, importantly, carry on developing the lifesaving abilities of their own organisations into the future.”

Before starting the 7000 mile journey Chris Rigby, South Wales RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “It’s a real honour to join the RNLI’s International Team and being able to help tackle the global drowning epidemic. I am eager to make the 7000 mile journey to the Philippines and put the lifesaving and training skills the RNLI have taught and equipped me with into practise in what will be a completely different environment compared to my day-to-day work in Pembrokeshire.”

In a planned approach to tackling the estimated 400,000 drownings that happen worldwide each year, the RNLI is also helping develop lifesaving services in other countries where drowning is prevalent, including Bangladesh, Uganda, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal and the Gambia.

The charity is focusing on helping other organisations to help themselves by providing a range of services such as training, safety education, and guidance on search and rescue and flood resilience.

For further information see www.rnli.org/international.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”