News
RNLI seek applications for summer lifeguards
PEMBROKESHIRE may be in the depths of winter but the RNLI has already begun its search for new lifeguards to patrol the county’s beaches this summer.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its Best Summer Job campaign by opening beach lifeguard recruitment online.
New recruits will be kitted, paid and trained to patrol on Pembrokeshire’s busiest beaches for the charity that saves lives a sea.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Stuart Penfold said: ‘I can’t think of a better way to cure the winter blues than applying to become an RNLI beach lifeguard and get paid to save lives this summer.
‘We’re looking for strong swimmers who can swim 400m with a good level of fitness aged over 16 years old. If you have the raw ability and the will to learn we can help get you fit and qualified.’
Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, RNLI lifeguards provide safety advice and assistance on 13* of the county’s beaches.
Lifeguards come from all walks of life including college and university students, teachers, stay-at-home parents, business owners and gap year travellers, all looking to do something special with their summer.
Stuart added: ‘The experience you’ll gain this summer as an RNLI beach lifeguard will stay with you for life. You’ll work with an inspiring team and make lifelong friends while getting the chance to improve your physical fitness and learn new skills.
‘There’s nothing better than making the beach your office, getting paid to train and knowing you have the first aid and rescue skills to save someone’s life at a moment’s notice. It’s the best job you’ll ever have.’
Cllr Elwyn Morse, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: ‘We are pleased that the RNLI are again recruiting people to keep our beaches safe for another season. As a beach lifeguard, each person will receive first class training and gain essential life skills.’
RNLI beach lifeguard recruitment is now open at jobs.rnli.org/lifeguards.html
For more information please contact Stuart Penfold on 07891 867836.
Five recommended ways to beat the winter blues and prepare to become an RNLI beach lifeguard are:
1) Get online and apply to become an RNLI lifeguard at jobs.rnli. org/lifeguards.html.
2) Go swimming – get down your local pool and train to be able to swim 400m in under 7 minutes 30 seconds which is the minimum standard for an RNLI lifeguard. The exercise will boost your energy and your mood, making those dark winter evenings a little more bearable.
3) Go running outside– listen to some summer tunes through your headphones and practice your sprints. You’ll need to cover 200m on sand in under 40 seconds to become a lifeguard. Being outside in daylight boosts your mood and is a great way to beat the winter blues
4) Watch the RNLI’s lifeguard recruitment video, then close your eyes and think that in just a few months this could be you!
5) Eat healthily – RNLI lifeguards are fit people but this doesn’t come naturally. They exercise regularly and eat healthily. A healthy diet boosts your mood, gives you more energy and stops you putting on weight over the winter, which you’ll be grateful for during the sprint test.
Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguards provide a safety service on Amroth, Saundersfoot, Tenby North, Tenby South, Tenby Castle, Freshwater West, Broad Haven, Nolton Haven, Newgale South, Newgale North, Newport and Poppit Sands beaches. Lifeguards also provide safety patrols on Pendine and Pembrey in Carmarthenshire.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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