FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers are celebrating a week of outstanding achievement, with multiple crew members successfully completing key assessments for both shoreside and seagoing roles.

The intensive week was made possible by a visiting RNLI coxswain from another station who was training to qualify on Fishguard’s class of all-weather lifeboat (ALB). Their presence provided a valuable opportunity for local crew to progress, as several assessments required oversight from a regional RNLI assessor.

On the first day, crew members Bryn and Cedwyn completed their Tier 2 ALB assessments. This involved demonstrating advanced competencies including anchoring, towing, and helming the Search and Rescue vessel without supervision, as well as the ability to assist in supervising others.

Simultaneously, crew member Jessica undertook her practical navigation assessment, followed by a theory paper onshore. She proved her expertise in using the lifeboat’s electronic navigation system, radar, and paper charts, along with a solid understanding of maritime navigation rules. Already a Tier 2 crew member for the inshore lifeboat (ILB), Jessica has now been appointed navigator for both the ALB and ILB.

Day two saw further ILB assessments. Bryn passed both the practical and theory components to qualify as an ILB navigator, while crew member Florian successfully completed his assessment to become an ILB helm. This key role involves commanding and controlling the lifeboat during service launches. Florian achieved this milestone in just two and a half years, thanks to his commitment, residential training, and determination to support the station.

On the third day, Jessica completed another assessment—this time for helming the station’s boarding boat. This retired ILB, normally used as a raft between the ALB and access stairs, requires a qualified helm when used independently, such as when the ALB is on the outer mooring or during training exercises.

The week concluded with a final success: crew member Jayne passed her assessment to become Fishguard’s newest Launch Authority. Having joined the station as a trainee in late 2024, she now serves as the first point of contact for HM Coastguard, authorising launches and briefing the coxswain or helm. She also gathers post-launch information for RNLI Headquarters in Poole.

Fishguard’s strong start to 2025 also saw ILB crew member Rhodri and ALB crew member Nick complete their Tier 1 assessments earlier this year. This stage requires demonstrating competence under instruction and supervision. Both are now working towards Tier 2 qualifications.

Shoreside roles were not left out, with assessments for Plant Operators responsible for launching and recovering the ILB. Cedwyn completed his first assessment, while Chris, Rhys, and Warren successfully underwent their scheduled re-evaluations. All four also qualified as Head Launchers—a new requirement for those overseeing ILB launch preparations.

Station coxswain Gemma Gill praised the team’s efforts, saying:

“It is fantastic to see the achievements of crew who were still relatively new when I joined the station last year. The charity introduced a new training and assessment framework last April, and these enthusiastic crew picked up the baton and really ran with it. They have all shown determination over the last 12 months in training, and pushing themselves to achieve, putting them in a position of real value to the station.”

“Everyone who joins us on the crew here in Fishguard is on their own journey and travels at their own speed, but they’ll always have the support of a great group of volunteers.

If anyone is interested in starting their journey, please get in touch with us via our social media channels—we’re on Facebook and Instagram.”

A CALL to change a Pembrokeshire estuarial beauty spot village care home to a residential property has been approved by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Leicestershire-based Mr c Cunningham sought permission for a change of use of Herons Reef Residential Home, Llangwm Ferry, Guildford Row, Llangwm, near Haverfordwest.

Previous applications have been made at the site for a change of use, with a 2019 scheme refused, and a 2018 scheme withdrawn.

Other applications for a single storey cabin-style building with decking area and an extension were also refused in 2011 and 2009 respectively.

An officer report, recommending approval of the current application, said: “No external changes are proposed to the building; however, it should be noted that stone cladding has been applied to the front elevation of the property within the last four years.

“Permission would have been required for this since, at the time of writing, the property is still within use class C2 [residential home] for which no permitted development rights exist. This will be dealt with separately to the current submission.

“There are no over-riding concerns in relation to the proposed change of use in relation to visual or residential amenity, and there are no concerns in relation to the parking arrangements, access or local Highway Network.

“The proposed green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements are deemed to be acceptable as it is proposed to plant six new trees within the rear garden area, and this is deemed to be proportionate to the proposed development, since no losses are to occur to facilitate development.

“Overall, the proposal is considered to be acceptable, and a recommendation to grant permission, subject to conditions, is made.”

The application, which includes a Section 106 legal agreement for the payment of a contribution towards affordable housing, was conditionally approved by park planners.

DOG owners visiting Pembrokeshire off-season have been able to enjoy unrestricted access to the county’s stunning coastline – but that freedom is about to end.

From May 1, seasonal dog bans will come into force on several popular beaches, as part of the county’s annual summer restrictions.

Outright bans will apply to Tenby’s North Beach and Whitesands in St Davids, while partial restrictions will be in place at parts of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle Beach, South Beach, Amroth Beach and Promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, Dale, and Coppet Hall, where a voluntary exclusion zone operates.

The rules are in place each year from May 1 to September 30, covering the busiest visitor months.

With more than 50 beaches across the county, the majority remain dog-friendly year-round – but the council advises walkers to check signage and maps before setting off.

This summer, Pembrokeshire County Council is trialling a more lenient approach, focusing on education over enforcement. Dog walkers who breach the restrictions may receive a warning instead of an immediate fine.

However, the council has warned that dog fouling will still be strictly enforced, both on beaches and in public spaces.

A council spokesperson said: “We are looking to prioritise awareness and responsible dog ownership. This trial only applies to dogs on restricted beaches – fouling remains a serious issue and will not be tolerated.”

Maps and further guidance on beach dog zones are available via the council’s website.