THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.

This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.

“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.

“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.

“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.

THE NATION’S top Rock ’n’ Roll variety show, That’ll Be The Day, recently returned to Folly Farm, delivering two unforgettable nights of entertainment to over a thousand attendees. The event raised more than £9,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, adding to a longstanding legacy of charitable support.

Marking its 18th year at Folly Farm and an impressive 37th performance at The Follies Theatre, That’ll Be The Day has contributed to raising over £203,000 for various local charities. Past beneficiaries include Wales Air Ambulance, the Rotary Clubs of Milford Haven, Narberth & Whitland, the RNLI, and most recently, Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Event organiser, Phil Thompson MBE, expressed his enthusiasm: “It was fantastic to have That’ll Be The Day back at Folly Farm, especially for two sell-out audiences. The event drew members from clubs and organisations such as Narberth & Whitland Rotary, Haverfordwest Rotary, Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Lamphey W I, Pembroke Bridge Club, and Marion Bulley’s Care Home Parties. We’re thrilled to confirm they’ll return on October 24th & 25th, 2025, with tickets available early next year.”

Chris Ebsworth, Director of Folly Farm, highlighted the venue’s continued support, saying: “Folly Farm is proud to host Phil Thompson and the That’ll Be The Day team. The feedback has been phenomenal, with comments like ‘The best show ever’ and ‘A tremendous night. I’ll be bringing friends next time!’ We’re eagerly awaiting the show’s return next year.”

Excitement is already mounting for Walk Right Back, another production by the same talented team, set to hit the Follies Theatre on February 15, 2025. Walk Right Back tells the story of the iconic Everly Brothers and promises to be another major event in the Paul Sartori Foundation’s calendar. Tickets are now on sale through the Paul Sartori Foundation website or by calling 01437 763223.

The Paul Sartori Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Folly Farm, the That’ll Be The Day cast, community sponsors Milford Haven Port Authority, media sponsor Pure West Radio, and the dedicated Paul Sartori team: Phil Thompson, Nia, Jo, Julia, Mand (and Mum), Val, Gill, Mair, Janet, Angela, Paul, and Pat.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy: Two unforgettable nights, a community united for a worthy cause

THE RNLI is offering safety advice to beachgoers as the winter months bring harsher conditions to our coastline. 

Whitesands Beach in Pembrokeshire is the only beach now being patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in Wales. Lifeguards are patrolling every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm until Sunday 3 November.  

Yesterday (20 October 2024), lifeguards patrolling at Whitesands were forced to red flag the beach. A combination of up to 60mph winds and 6-8ft surf meant the lifeguards deemed the beach unsafe for water users. 

Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: 

‘As wintery conditions have begun to hit the Welsh coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers. 

‘Strong winds and big waves like we saw at the weekend, posed a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers. 

‘If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice. 

‘Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk. 

‘You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

‘We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards. 

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.’ 

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.  

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current: 

– Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. 
– If you can stand, wade don’t swim. 
– If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. 
– Always raise your hand and shout for help. 

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.