Community

Pembrokeshire lifeguards safety warning following a spike in rescues

Published

4 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

RNLI beach lifeguards in Pembrokeshire are strongly advising people to choose a lifeguarded beach following a spike in rescues across beaches in south west Wales.

Following a rise in the number of rescues in Pembrokeshire over the last ten days, RNLI lifeguards are reminding the public of the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling everyday across eight beaches in Pembrokeshire. In the last few weeks, the beaches have been busier which has coincided with rougher sea conditions.

Last Wednesday 14 August, lifeguards patrolling at Tenby Castle Beach rescued 11 people – including three children from rip currents. Lifeguards responded on rescue boards and safely returned all the casualties to shore.

On Friday 16 August, lifeguards patrolling at Newgale Beach rescued six people and aided a further six from rip currents.

This week, on Tuesday 20 August, Newgale’s RWC (Rescue Water Craft) rescued a surfer in difficulty in a rip current.

The following day, (Wednesday 21 August) a bodyboarder was rescued and a further four were assisted from rip currents by Newgale’s lifeguards.

Noah Harvatt, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said:

‘The combination of wind, swell and big tides in the last couple of weeks has caused an abundance of rip currents.

‘The number of rescues and assists our lifeguards have responded to shows the importance of choosing an RNLI lifeguarded beach if you’re planning on going in the water.

‘We position the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and surf, kayak or paddleboard between the black and white flags.

‘The location of rip currents can change every day and are impossible to predict. This forces us to regularly move the flags and dynamically assess the beach.’

Yesterday (22 August) Newgale, Nolton Haven and Freshwater West were all red flagged due to dangerous conditions.

Storm Lillian brought strong winds and big surf, meaning the conditions posed a heightened risk to beachgoers. The likelihood and strength of rip currents is heightened in these circumstances, which often forces lifeguards to red flag certain areas, or an entire beach.

Oliver Davies-Scourfield, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for South Pembrokeshire said:

‘If you see a red flag flying, we have deemed that area of the beach as unsafe and strongly advise against entering the water.

‘If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, then wade don’t swim. If you can, try to swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the current, and then head back to shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.

‘If you’re ever unsure as to why we’ve red flagged the beach, please approach our lifeguards. We’re more than happy to offer guidance and direct you to a safer place to swim.’

‘In Pembrokeshire the following beaches are currently being patrolled every day from 10am-6pm up until 1 September: Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Whitesands, Newgale Central and South, Broad Haven, Freshwater West, Tenby North, Tenby Castle, Tenby South and Saundersfoot.Choose one of our lifeguarded beaches if you’re planning a dip.

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s OK if your legs sink, as we all float differently. Then once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.’

The RNLI’s Float to Live advice:

Tilt your head back with ears submerged
Relax and try to control your breathing
Use your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

Community

Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day

Published

21 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.

The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.

“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.

Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.

Community

West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque

Published

18 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.

In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.

The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.

Community

UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby

Published

19 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.

A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.

Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.

In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.

Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year .