News

Pembrokeshire now has the highest number of accidental drownings in Wales

Published

3 years ago

June 14, 2022

A RECENT report from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) showed that Pembrokeshire has seen
an increase in accidental drownings in 2021 and therefore is now the top county in Wales and 4 th in
the UK for accidental drownings when looking at fatalities for 2021.

There were six accidental drownings reported in Pembrokeshire for 2021, an increase of five on the
previous year. National charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and
Ireland, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is urging those who live in and will be visiting
Pembrokeshire this year to engage with their national Drowning Prevention Week campaign, 18 th –
25 th June, to ensure they have the water safety knowledge needed to enjoy a summer by the water.

The charity fears that with summer fast approaching, people will head to the waterways within
Pembrokeshire to enjoy the warmer weather without water basic safety knowledge, and even more
fatalities will be seen over the summer months.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “With June, July, and August proving to be the months
with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety,
especially during the summer months.

“We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the last few years, with peaks during the
summer. In Wales there were 26 accidental drownings in 2021, with Pembrokeshire accounting for 6
of those fatalities, and we know that with the right water safety knowledge, accidental drownings
are avoidable.

“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around
water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding
about water safety, which could potentially save a life. Every life is worth saving.”

For Drowning Prevention Week (DPW), the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has a range of free
educational resources available on their website for children, young people and parents and are
holding their annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign between 18 th -25 th June to equip everyone
across the UK and Ireland with the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water
safety.

Lee Heard continued: “This year for Drowning Prevention Week we are aiming to educate more
young people than ever about water safety and give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in
the water.

“We have a range of free educational resources available on the RLSS UK website, including lesson
plans for schools and resources for parents, as well as a brand new animation to engage young
people in learning about water safety.

“In a recent survey, over 55% of parents said they would not be confident their child would know
what to do if they fell into open water; this is something we want to change.

“Drowning Prevention Week brings the focus of water safety to people’s minds, giving everyone the
opportunity to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it
comes to being safe in and around water during the summer months and beyond.”

With many families opting for staycations and heading to the coastlines and waterways for holidays
in recent times, having an understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in
trouble in the water is more important than ever.

Lee Heard added: “If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to
remember the Water Safety Code: whenever you are around water you should stop and think to
assess your surroundings and look for any dangers; stay together when around water and always go
with family and friends; in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when
inland and the Coastguard if at the coast; and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay
calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that
floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”

Drowning Prevention Week takes place 18 th -25 th June and free resources can be downloaded from
www.rlss.org.uk/dpw.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

49 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

57 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/