Charity
RNLI prepare for summer with medical training exercise in Pembrokeshire

RNLI lifeguards from the north Pembrokeshire team, volunteers from St Davids RNLI and St Davids Coastguard Rescue Team came together at Whitesands beach on Thursday (18 April), for a multi-agency medical training exercise. Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguards and St Davids volunteer lifeboat crew took part in a multi-agency medical training exercise alongside St Davids Coastguard Rescue Team in preparation for the upcoming summer season.
The Coastal Medicine programme was set up six years ago at the suggestion of clinicians from Hywel Dda University Health Board. The aim of the programme is train lifeguards, lifeboat crews and HM Coastguard teams in working collaboratively when responding to medical incidents on the coast.
Clinicians from Hywel Dda work with RNLI staff to design exercises simulating mass-casualty incidents on land and afloat. The exercises allow lifeguards, lifeboat crews and Coastguard teams to practise and test their rescue response and casualty care.
The simulated incident at Whitesands involved a medical incident at sea leading to a boat going out of control and ploughing through a group of swimmers causing multiple injuries. RNLI lifeguards responded to casualties on the beach while St Davids inshore and all-weather lifeboat crews dealt with the situation at sea. St Davids Coastguard Rescue supported RNLI colleagues as they would in a real-life scenario.
In total there were six casualties to treat, all of whom were given the immediate medical care by the teams on scene. As in a real-life scenario, they were then prepared to be handed over to the care of the Ambulance Service.
Roger Smith, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said: ‘The scenario was based on a real-life incident, it’s so important that we train in dealing with challenging situations.
‘The RNLI lifeguards, lifeboat crew, and the Coastguard rescue team worked really well together collaborating together to achieve the best possible result.
‘The feedback from all the participants was really positive, and our medical colleagues were very complimentary about the competence shown and the inter-agency co-operation.
‘This scenario training gives confidence to our lifeguards and lifeboat crews, and ensures the teamwork and communication is already in place ready for real-life incidents.’
Martin Charlton, an RNLI lifeguard in north Pembrokeshire said:
‘Last night’s exercise was a great opportunity for me and my colleagues on the lifeguard team to upskill ahead of the summer season.
‘We regularly attend incidents in the season that require a multi-agency response. These scenarios are a brilliant opportunity to prepare for the the most challenging situations.
‘The team and I thoroughly enjoyed the exercise and feel better prepared for the season as a result.
‘It’s always a pleasure working alongside the Coastguard rescue team and the lifeboat as one crew.’
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Charity
Veterans rally to repair storm damage in Milford Haven

MILFORD HAVEN’S VC Gallery veterans have stepped up to restore a woodland area hit hard by recent high winds.
The Woodlands in Milford suffered significant damage, with fallen trees crashing onto a farmer’s fence, endangering livestock and damaging the enclosure.
In response, a team of veterans, including trustee Mark Shuttleworth, Simon, Steve, and volunteer of the year Donna Evans, was deployed to clear the trees and rebuild the fencing.
The Woodlands project, run by VC Gallery, offers opportunities for people to connect with nature while learning about biodiversity and conservation.

Charity
New charity offers grants to young people in Pembrokeshire

A NEW charity aimed at supporting young people in Pembrokeshire has been established and is now accepting applications for its first round of grants.
The Tenby & County Trust (TACT) was created using funds from the sale of the former Tenby & County Club on The Croft, with the aim of helping young people aged between five and 18 pursue their aspirations.
Trustee David Blackmore explained: “The purpose of TACT is to provide grants that enable young people in Pembrokeshire to follow their ambitions, whether in the creative arts, culture, sports, adventure, science, or languages.”
Substantial investment
Following the sale of the County Club for redevelopment, club members—who were entitled to a share of the proceeds—voted to establish a charity to benefit local youth.
“The money has been invested, and while we are not disclosing the exact amount, it is a considerable six-figure sum,” said Mr Blackmore.
The trust is managed by local trustees, all of whom have either been involved with the former County Club or played significant roles in education within Pembrokeshire.
How to apply
Young people interested in applying for a grant must submit an application via email. This should include the names and email addresses of two supporting sponsors and a statement of no more than 500 words outlining how they would use the funds, including a breakdown of costs.
Grants will be issued quarterly, with the next application deadline set for March 1, 2025. Grants are only available to individuals.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit tenbyandcountytrust.org.
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