Owners urged to keep chocolate and dried fruit out of paw’s reach

WITH Easter just around the corner, Dogs Trust is reminding pet owners to keep chocolate and other harmful foods away from their four-legged friends.

Both Dogs Trust Bridgend and Dogs Trust Cardiff are raising awareness of the dangers seasonal treats can pose to dogs, particularly chocolate and certain dried fruits, which are toxic and potentially fatal if ingested.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that dogs cannot metabolise effectively. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling and in severe cases, seizures or fatal heart problems.

Likewise, dried fruits including raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. That means hot cross buns, Simnel cake, and other fruity Easter fare should be kept well away from canine companions.

If your dog eats any of these, the advice is clear: contact your vet immediately.

Dogs Trust’s Easter safety tips:

• Never feed dogs chocolate or dried fruits, and make sure children and visitors know the dangers too.
• During Easter egg hunts, keep dogs away from the area or supervise them closely on a lead.
• Secure your bins to prevent dogs from scavenging leftovers.
• Don’t leave treats on kitchen counters or low tables where curious paws can reach.
• Teach the “leave it” command, so your dog learns to walk away from harmful items.
• Watch out on walks – dogs can easily pick up discarded chocolate or fruit-filled snacks.

Victoria Phillips, Veterinary Surgeon Manager at Dogs Trust, said:
“Our dogs are part of the family, so it’s natural to want to include them in Easter celebrations. But while chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are treats for us, they can make dogs seriously ill – and in some cases, can be fatal.

“That doesn’t mean they have to miss out entirely. Why not plan a dog-friendly Easter hunt using safe, healthy treats such as carrots, strawberries, cucumber or broccoli?

“You could even hide toys or treats in empty Easter egg boxes and encourage your dog to sniff them out – it’s a great way to bond and keep them mentally stimulated.”

For more advice on keeping dogs safe and healthy over the holidays, visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice

THE RNLI Lifeguards are set to return to beaches this weekend ahead of the Easter Holidays. The RNLI are advising that anyone visiting the coast, should choose a lifeguarded beach.

Last year (2024) RNLI lifeguards in West Wales of responded to 654 incidents, aided 1,055 people, made 96,388 preventative actions and saved five lives.

This Saturday 12 April, RNLI lifeguards are returning to their posts to keep visitors safe at beaches in Pembrokeshire.

The RNLI will be patrolling at Whitesands Beach every day from 10am-6pm from 12-27 April. Lifeguards will also be patrolling at Tenby South Beach from 10am-6pm from 18-21 April.

From Monday 1 April, the service will continue on weekends only at Whitesands until 25 May when the beach goes live full time. Tenby South will also be patrolled at weekends only until 25 May.

The RNLI encourages beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach and patrol this area at all times.

Anyone intending on intend on surfing or participating in hard craft activity, should stay between the black and white flags.

At this time of year, when the sea is at its coldest, cold water shock is a possibility. Water temperature below 15 degrees can affect breathing and movement, which often causes panic and can lead to drowning.

Anyone planning a dip is advised to wear a wetsuit, to minimise the risk of cold water shock and the carrying of a floatation device is recommended.

Stuart Penfold Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said: ‘We’re very much looking forward to having our lifeguards back on the beach. Our team have recently gone through intensive training in preparation for the Easter Holidays.

‘Should people plan on going in the sea during the holidays, we encourage them to visit on of our patrolled beaches. We can keep an eye on you between our flags. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.

‘If you go in the sea at a non-patrolled beach, make sure you someone knows where you are at all times and that you have a means for calling for help.

‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you fall in the water unexpectedly, try to relax and float to live.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands to help you stay afloat

· It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at Anya_Walton@rnli.org.uk or call 07977468268. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office at PressOffice@rnli.org.uk or call 01202336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube

. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI – public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Research shows 15% of people have been cut off by the tide as spring tides coincide with Easter break

AS FAMILIES flock to the Welsh coast for the Easter school holidays, the RNLI has issued a stark warning following new research revealing widespread gaps in public understanding of tidal safety.

The joint survey by the RNLI and Bangor University found that around 15% of people in the UK and Ireland—equivalent to 10 million individuals—have either been cut off by the tide or had a near miss. Worryingly, many of these incidents involved people who had not intended to enter the water at all.

With spring tides forecast during the Easter break—when beaches are expected to be busy—the RNLI is urging extra caution. In Wales, being cut off by the tide accounts for almost 8% of all lifeboat launches over the last decade, more than double the UK average. On days with higher tides, areas not typically at risk can quickly become hazardous.

One of the worst-affected locations is Sully Island, where the RNLI is once again deploying volunteers to patrol the causeway during peak tidal periods. This initiative, launched last year, significantly reduced the number of people stranded by the tide. The RNLI is now appealing for more volunteers to support the project this season.

A key finding of the Bangor University survey was that 60% of those who had been cut off were shocked by the speed of the incoming tide.

The study also revealed that:

• Four in ten people have no basic understanding of how tides work.
• Only half of respondents said they check tide times before visiting the beach.
• Just 24% feel confident reading and interpreting a tide timetable.

To better understand these knowledge gaps, Bangor University’s Impact and Innovation Fund commissioned a multidisciplinary team—including a marine social scientist, an ocean scientist and a discourse analyst—to conduct a nationwide survey and interview tidal incident survivors. The findings will inform future public safety campaigns.

The RNLI recommends checking tide times using reliable online sources such as the Met Office before setting out, and reminds coastal visitors that tide times vary daily and by location.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales, said: “The results of the survey are eye-opening and show that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge.

“We’ll be using these findings to shape future safety campaigns and educational efforts.

“With spring tides forecast, people may find themselves cut off faster than usual—sometimes in areas not normally at risk.

“It’s hard to imagine how a simple walk can turn dangerous so quickly. That’s why it’s vital to check tide times at the start of your day, watch for the tide turning, and always leave enough time to return safely.”

Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Honorary Research Fellow at Bangor University, added: “In my 25 years of coastal research, I’ve seen everyone from tourists to seasoned marine professionals caught out by tides.

“The stories shared by those we spoke to show how a relaxing day out can turn into a life-threatening situation.

“Thanks to those who contributed their experiences, we’re now in a stronger position to raise awareness and improve public safety messaging.”

The RNLI’s top tips for coastal safety this Easter:

• Check tide times before setting out. If you’re unsure, seek local advice.
• Choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
• If you get into trouble in the water, remember: Float to Live. Lean back, keep your mouth above water, and try to control your breathing. Use your hands to stay afloat.
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.