Community
Urgent warning: Flash rips at Newgale
BEACHGOERS at Newgale Beach are being warned to exercise extreme caution due to an increase in flash rip currents, which have led to numerous rescues in recent days. Lifeguards have reported a spike in dangerous currents, prompting a strong advisory for visitors to heed safety guidelines.
On Tuesday, RNLI lifeguards at Newgale Beach were involved in a series of dramatic rescues. With surf conditions of 1-2 feet and shifting sandbanks at low tide, an abundance of rip currents formed, creating perilous conditions for swimmers and surfers. Lifeguards rescued six people and assisted a further eight from rip currents, while also offering preventative advice to hundreds of beachgoers.
Senior Lifeguard George Morgan stressed the importance of visiting lifeguarded beaches, especially with World Drowning Prevention Day approaching on 25 July. “Yesterday’s events highlight why it’s crucial to follow our advice. We conducted six rescues and assisted eight more people, but also provided preventative advice to hundreds,” Morgan said.
The conditions at Newgale are particularly hazardous due to the interaction of surf, wind, and tides with the sandbanks, creating unpredictable flash rip currents. These currents can change location daily, making them impossible to predict. Lifeguards have to regularly move the safety flags and dynamically assess the beach.
Lifeguards advise swimming and bodyboarding only between the red and yellow flags, and surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding between the black and white flags. These flagged areas are patrolled by lifeguards from 10 am to 6 pm. A red flag indicates an unsafe area, typically due to rip currents.
Tuesday’s incidents began shortly after midday when a flash rip current appeared at the north end of Newgale Beach. Lifeguard Jake Rogers rescued two bodyboarders and assisted three surfers out of the rip current. Later, he helped two more bodyboarders who were struggling to return to shore.
Lifeguard George Morgan, operating a Rescue Water Craft (RWC), guided people to stay within the flagged areas. He spotted two bodyboarders being swept out to sea and assisted them with the help of Lifeguard Travis Christopher-Mullins. Later, Jake Rogers, while patrolling on the RWC, assisted a surfer and two swimmers caught in rip currents, ensuring their safe return to shore.
Near the end of their shift, Lifeguard Cai Owen rescued two bodyboarders who were caught in a rip current and far out of their depth, bringing them safely back to shore.
Stuart Penfold, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire, offered crucial advice for those caught in a rip current: “Don’t swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, then wade instead of swimming. If possible, swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the current, then head back to shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.”
Penfold also encouraged beachgoers to approach lifeguards for guidance if they are unsure about water safety. He emphasised that several beaches in Pembrokeshire, including Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Whitesands, Newgale Central and South, Broad Haven, Freshwater West, Tenby North, Tenby Castle, Tenby South, and Saundersfoot, are patrolled daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Safety Tips:
- Swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Be aware of changing conditions and unexpected currents.
- Avoid swimming after hours or in unpatrolled areas.
- Share this safety information with others.
Newgale Beach, while a stunning destination, currently requires heightened vigilance and caution.
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
THE local community has come together to raise thousands of pounds in memory of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle, a beloved taxi driver who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
Mr Boyle, 57, from Kilgetty, was killed in a collision involving two vehicles near Tenby on the evening of Monday, 2nd September. His death has sent shockwaves through the area, where he was widely known and respected. In the days since the accident, friends, family, and customers have expressed their grief, remembering Mr Boyle for his generosity and kindness. His family remarked that he was “the kind of man who would do anything for anyone”.
A fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support Mr Boyle’s five children has so far raised almost £13,700, with nearly 400 people contributing. One particularly generous individual has donated £750.
Gabriel Nowak, a colleague and fellow taxi driver, organised the fundraiser, stating: “I don’t think there’s anyone in Tenby or Pembrokeshire who didn’t know Mucker. His friendly face and his sense of humour will be missed by so many.”
“Chris was always there for people, whether it was squeezing in an extra lift or knocking a bit off the fare to make sure someone got home safely. Now it’s our turn to give back to him,” Mr Nowak added.
Tributes have poured in, with friends and colleagues sharing fond memories of the late cabbie and expressing their sorrow over the loss of someone who was seen as a key figure in the community.
Chris Boyle’s funeral is set to take place at St Mary’s Church in Tenby on Friday, 27th September at 10:00 am, followed by a committal service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12:15 pm. The funeral procession will pass through Kilgetty at approximately 11:45 am, allowing those who wish to pay their respects to do so.
Funeral directors W. & M.J. Rossiter & Sons, based in Tenby, shared a heartfelt message on behalf of Mr Boyle’s family: “Chris was a deeply loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by his children Daniel, Chloe, Leah, Jimmy, and Tommy J, as well as his siblings Liz, David, and Lisa.”
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Firefighters Charity in Chris Boyle’s memory. Donations can be sent via the funeral directors.
Additionally, local rock and blues band Karma will be dedicating their upcoming performance at the Lawrenny Arms on Saturday, 14th September to Mr Boyle. A collection will be held during the event, with proceeds going to The Firefighters Charity.
A man has been charged in connection with the fatal accident. Mateusz Sikorski, 30, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his silver Volkswagen collided with a brown BMW near Penally on the A4139.
Mr Sikorski appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5th September and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 7th October.
Dyfed-Powys Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 405 of Monday, 2nd September. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The loss of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle has deeply impacted the local community, and the outpouring of support for his family is a testament to how cherished he was by those who knew him.
Community
Saundersfoot Annual Vintage Motorcycle Event showcases classic machines
ON SATURDAY (Sept 7), Saundersfoot came alive with the roar of nearly 100 vintage motorcycles as the annual Saundersfoot Vintage Motorcycle Event hit the coastal roads of South Pembrokeshire. Enthusiasts and spectators alike were treated to the sight of beautifully restored bikes from a bygone era, as they cruised westward out of the village.
The event, a local favorite, drew riders and fans from across the region to celebrate the engineering marvels of the past. It was a day filled with nostalgia, as the sound of classic engines echoed through the scenic routes.
Check out the photos from the event, captured by Malcolm Richards, to relive the vintage spectacle, on our Facebook page.
Community
Blue Lagoon temporarily closed to protect seals and their pups
ONE of Pembrokeshire’s most popular coastal attractions is to be temporarily closed to swimmers in a bid to protect breeding seals and their pups.
The National Trust will be closing the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy on Saturday, September 21, and it will remain closed until the beginning of November. The date of its re-opening is yet to be decided.
The nearby beach at Traeth Llyfn will also be closed for the same period.
Visitors will still be able to watch the seals and their pups in their natural habitat from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Anyone who may come across seals and their pups in other parts of Pembrokeshire is asked to avoid disturbing them and follow the Marine Code. This involves staying quiet, keeping at least 50 metres away from them, and never coming between a seal and her pup. Dogs must also be kept on leads at all times and kept away from the breeding areas.
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