Charity

RNLI issues warning as tidal knowledge gap puts millions at risk

Published

1 year ago

April 9, 2025

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.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Charity

Afghan resettlement sex offence case “raises questions over public safety”

Published

6 days ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS are facing calls to explain what checks were in place after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that an Afghan national resettled in the Vale of Glamorgan was convicted of a sexual offence.

Conservative Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies said the case raises “serious questions” for authorities after months of correspondence about the use of the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose as temporary accommodation under Afghan resettlement arrangements.

The issue was first raised by Mr Davies in August last year, after he met Ministry of Defence officials about the decision to house Afghan families at the hotel.

Following that meeting, he asked whether anyone housed in the Vale of Glamorgan under Afghan resettlement schemes had been charged with or convicted of sex offences or other crimes.

Delayed response

The Home Office initially refused to provide the information, saying it would exceed the cost limit for Freedom of Information requests because thousands of Afghan national records would have to be checked.

However, the Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that it holds information relating to ten cases in which a person relocated to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy or Afghan Response Route later committed a criminal offence.

Of those ten cases, five people were resettled under ARAP, three under ARR, while the MOD said it did not hold information on which route applied to the remaining two.

The department also confirmed that one person was based in the Vale of Glamorgan at the time the offence was committed and had been convicted of a sexual offence.

The MOD said the individual is no longer part of the Afghan Resettlement Programme.

A further two of the ten cases related to sexual offences, bringing the total number of sexual offence cases held by the MOD to three.

‘Public safety implications’

Mr Davies said: “It’s disgraceful that the Government failed to provide this information for so long.

“After authorities chose to use the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose for temporary accommodation, I asked them to confirm if any individuals relocated under various Afghan resettlement schemes were convicted of sex offences.

“But they failed to answer the request repeatedly.

“Now it has confirmed an Afghan resettled in the Vale of Glamorgan was convicted of a sex crime, the Government has serious questions to answer.

“There are public safety implications that must be addressed.”

MOD caveat

In its response, the Ministry of Defence stressed that its figures should not be treated as a complete picture.

The department said that once an eligible person is resettled in the UK, integration and ongoing support becomes the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

It added that the MOD does not routinely collect data on people once they begin the resettlement and integration process.

The MOD also said it does not hold information on the specific category of sexual offences committed.

Mr Davies has previously raised concerns from residents about whether statements made about those housed at the hotel accurately reflected the schemes under which they had been resettled.

He said constituents deserved transparency over both the resettlement process and any public safety issues arising from it.

Charity

Charity football match raises £10,025 for Glangwili Hospital units

Published

6 days ago

June 15, 2026

Herald Sport

A CHARITY football event held at Carmarthen Town AFC has raised £10,025 for two key services at Glangwili Hospital.

The event, organised by LHP Accountants, took place on Saturday and raised money for the Chemotherapy Unit and the Special Care Baby Unit through Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Organisers said they had been “absolutely overwhelmed” by the support shown on the day, thanking everyone who played, donated, sponsored, volunteered, bought raffle tickets, bid in the auction or attended the event.

They said: “This achievement belongs to every single person who supported us. Thank you for helping us make a real difference.”

The event was also filmed by S4C’s Heno, with coverage due to air tonight between 7:00pm and 7:30pm.