Charity

RNLI Fishguard congratulates new volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Published

2 months ago

February 23, 2024

A VOLUNTEER at RNLI Fishguard celebrated a successful start to the year following completion of rigorous training and assessment to take up the role of Lifeboat Press Officer.

Volunteer crew member Cedwyn Rogers took up the challenge of becoming a trainee Lifeboat Press Officer after his predecessor, Peter Kedward, retired from the role with thanks after many years.

Following an interview process in January 2023, Cedwyn has worked hard over the past 12 months to complete the mandatory training and compile a portfolio of work demonstrating his skills in preparation for an in-depth assessment by an RNLI media trainer.

Every RNLI station has at least one press officer whose role is to highlight rescues and training launches carried out by our volunteers to the public through various media outlets. They also promote community fundraising events for our charity, advertise recruitment opportunities and share key water safety messages. They do this by developing relationships with local media and writing regular news releases for publication online and in print. The press officer will also assist with media visits to the station, either pre planned or following launches, liaising with journalists and preparing other station volunteers for interview. As part of the role they may also manage the station’s social media pages, posting news, content and interacting with followers.

Cedwyn joined the crew at RNLI Fishguard in September 2022 as a shore crew volunteer. In this time he has also progressed to trainee crew on the station’s inshore and all weather lifeboats. Passing this recent assessment certifies him for 5 years in the role of press officer, at which time he will be reassessed to keep his skills current in the ever changing and fast paced arena of media.

Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer RNLI Press Officer said:

‘It is such a privilege to be in this position of promoting the work of the RNLI. As a child, I witnessed St Davids lifeboat launch to the aid of my grandfather, following an accident on Ramsey Island. I have never forgotten the difference they made to my family during that moment of fear. I am proud to be trusted to tell the stories of our charity in this, our 200th year of saving lives at sea. Stories that I can only tell thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Looking ahead to the next 200 years we can be certain that whoever we are and however we support the RNLI, we are one crew with one goal; to save every one”.

Charity

RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white

chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.

In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands around to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches – Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Charity

Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAM FAULKNER is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.

Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.

Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.

“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.

“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.

“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/sam-faulkner-1712508280259

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.