Community

Urgent warning: Flash rips at Newgale

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

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

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

14 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

15 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).