Public urged to swim between the flags as rips catch out dozens

RNLI lifeguards in north Pembrokeshire carried out multiple rescues over the weekend (June 28–29) as warm weather and strong surf led to dangerous conditions in the sea.

Across beaches including Whitesands and Newgale, five people were rescued and a further seven assisted after becoming caught in rip currents—most outside the designated lifeguarded zones.

At Whitesands, lifeguard Cai Owen spotted a young surfer struggling in a rip current at the southern end of the beach. The surfer had come off their board and was attempting to swim directly to shore. Cai entered the water, advised them to get back on the board and paddle parallel to the beach, helping them escape the current. The surfer was safely washed ashore and redirected to the flagged area.

Later, two swimmers drifted out of the red and yellow flags into a strong rip. Senior lifeguard Jake Rogers attempted to whistle them back in while lifeguard Tom David prepared for a water rescue. Both swimmers lost their footing and began to go under the surface. Tom reached them on a rescue board, with Jake assisting moments later. One casualty had swallowed seawater and was advised to attend hospital as a precaution.

At Newgale Beach, senior lifeguard George Morgan rescued a swimmer struggling outside the red and yellow flags. George helped them to a nearby sandbank before they returned safely to shore. Shortly after, George spotted a surfer caught in a rip while patrolling on the Rescue Water Craft (RWC). The surfer was brought back to shore on the rescue sled.

Lifeguard Isaac Hadri-Khoussa also carried out two rescues at Newgale. First, he helped a swimmer back through dumping waves. Then he assisted a group of five surfers stuck in a rip current outside the flagged zone. Four followed his verbal instructions to reach safety; the fifth, initially reluctant, eventually accepted help and was brought to shore on Isaac’s rescue board.

Elsewhere, lifeguard Geraint Campbell responded to a bodyboarder caught 100 metres from the flags. Driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to reach the scene quickly, he entered the water with a rescue tube and towed the casualty back to safety.

Stuart Penfold, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire, said: “This weekend highlights why it’s vital to visit a lifeguarded beach and stay within the flagged areas. Every person rescued was outside of the patrolled zones.

Rip currents are powerful and can be deceptive. We mark the safest parts of the beach for a reason. Red flags and windbreaks are used to identify danger zones.”

He added: “If you see anyone in trouble, alert a lifeguard. If you’re on a non-lifeguarded beach, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

RNLI safety advice if caught in a rip current:

• Don’t swim against it—this will tire you out.
• If possible, wade rather than swim.
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, then head back in.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

With warm weather set to continue, the RNLI is urging everyone heading to the coast to choose lifeguarded beaches and follow safety advice.

Life-saving device funded by local Lions Club

A DEFIBRILLATOR has been donated to Portfield at Pennar Pre-school thanks to the generosity of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions Club.

The official handover took place on Monday (June 23), with representatives from the Lions Club joined by members of the Friends of Portfield School to present the equipment to the pre-school manager.

The life-saving device is seen as a vital addition to the setting, which supports children with special needs. Staff and supporters say the defibrillator will provide essential protection in the event of a medical emergency.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Portfield School said the staff and families were “extremely grateful” to the Lions for funding the equipment.

“The defibrillator is a huge contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Portfield’s special children and dedicated staff,” they said.

Leo Candler walks and cycles 61 miles in one month for lifesaving charity

A DETERMINED seven-year-old from Pembrokeshire has raised hundreds of pounds for the RNLI after walking or cycling more than a mile every day throughout May.

Leo Candler took part in the RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge, clocking up a total of 61 miles during the month. His efforts have already more than doubled his original fundraising target of £125, with donations currently standing at £286 — and still rising.

Inspired by his father’s role

Leo’s passion for the lifesaving charity is deeply rooted in family. His father, Scott, is both a Lifeguard Assessor Trainer and a volunteer crew member on the St Davids Lifeboat.

“Leo’s always been the RNLI’s number one fan,” said his mother, Simona Candler. “He’s grown up with the yellow wellies, supporting his dad on the beach, watching lifeboat launches, and visiting the RNLI College. He absolutely loves it.”

Some of Leo’s walks and rides took him to and from local lifeboat stations, and included visits to RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands Beach. He was often joined by his younger brother Zane, aged three, who is already following in his footsteps.

A mission that matters

“Even though Leo is only seven, he understands how important the RNLI’s work is — not just in the UK but around the world,” said Simona. “He knows his dad went to Bangladesh to help set up their lifeguard service, and he’s proud of that.”

She added: “It was amazing to see a boy his age so determined to get his miles in each day. We’re incredibly proud of both our boys.”

Leo’s fundraising campaign continues until the end of June. Donations can be made online by searching “RNLI – Leo Candler”.

Brave little fundraiser: Leo aboard St Davids Tamar Class Lifeboat (Pic: Herald)