News
Carli highlights dangers after report shows drowning risk the young in Wales
WATER SAFETY WALES has teamed up with a Pembrokeshire mum on World Drowning Prevention Day to help prevent other families from enduring the tragedy she has suffered after losing her son. The collaboration comes as Public Health Wales, ROSPA and Water Safety Wales launch a joint report which reveals there were 62 non-intentional water-related fatalities in Wales in children and young people under 25 years of age between 2013 and 2022.
As schools break for the summer, Water Safety Wales, a collaboration of around 40 organisations in Wales with an interest in water safety is keen to educate families. As part of the strategy, an educational event is being held at Llyn-y-Fran on World Drowning Prevention Day aimed at promoting safe use of open water this summer.

In light of the report findings that drowning is the second most common cause of non-intentional injury fatalities in children under 18 years of age in Wales, after transport related fatalities.1, it is hoped the event will highlight the risks.
The event will be attended by Carli Newell, a 36-year-old mother of two boys from Pembrokeshire, who lost her 11-year-old son Zac Thompson in summer 2022. She is now committed to working with Water Safety Wales to raise awareness of the risks.
Zac was at the coast with his family and friends observing the sunset last summer when an unexpected wave forcefully swept him under the water. He sadly died in hospital the following day.
Carli, who has established the charity Forever 11 to raise awareness of water safety in Zac’s memory said:
‘A year on, the impact of Zac’s death is still palpable within our community. Zac remains affectionately remembered by all who knew him, with several memorial matches held in the sports he adored, a tradition that will endure for years to come. Zac possessed an infectious personality; funny, cheeky, intelligent, kind, and extremely courageous. Despite his small stature, he emanated a larger-than-life aura, drawing people towards him.’
Carli is calling on families to make safety their priority. She told The Pembrokeshire Herlad: “In Wales we are blessed with fantastic beaches, bays, harbours, lagoons and inland waters, the significance of water safety and education regarding appropriate actions during emergencies cannot be overstated. The evidence presented in this report makes clear that more can be done to reduce water-related fatalities in children and young people in Wales and safeguard them as they revel in and respect the water. I urge everyone to consider what more they can do to help children and young people enjoy the water safely.’
The report has revealed:
- Almost half of all fatalities occurred during June, July and August, and Sunday was the most common day.
- 79% of the children and young people were male.
- Over half of the fatalities occurred in the 18-24 years age group, even though the proportion of young people in this age group account for less than one third of the population of children and young people aged 0-24 years of age.
- Almost half of the children and young people were taking part in activities where they had not intended entering the water when the fatal incident occurred.
- A third of fatalities occurred in a river and a third occurred at the coast, shore or beach.
Public Health Wales’ Child Death Review Programme, Water Safety Wales and RoSPA noted five deaths of children under 18 years of age from drowning in 2022 which was higher than in previous years, which led to them working in partnership to produce the report.
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: ‘The aim of this report is to help inform the preventative work of water safety professionals in Wales to prevent future deaths of children and young people from water-related fatalities.
‘The death of a child or young person has devastating and life changing impacts on families and the wider community. We are incredibly grateful to Carli for her strength and determination to make a difference in memory of Zac. It is sobering to reveal the almost half of the children and young people were taking part in activities where they had not intended entering the water, just like Zac when the fatal incident occurred. We are hoping the release of this report will encourage families to be aware of the risks and be mindful of the dangers of open water.’
During the event on World Drowning Prevention day, Water Safety Wales representatives will be speaking to members of the public and encouraging families to try popular sports such as Stand Up Paddleboarding and Open Water Swimming, with experts on hand to offer advice. There will also be a demonstration by XX, to ensure the public are aware of the role of the emergency services and how to enlist their help in an emergency.
Chris adds: ‘With the summer holidays upon us, we want people to continue to enjoy the water, but by highlighting the risks, we want people to be aware of their surroundings, be well equipped and know exactly what to do should they get into trouble.’
Water Safety Wales’ key safety advice for children and young people to remember is:
- Stop and think: Is it a safe place to swim? Are there hazards beneath the water? Are there hidden currents or fast-flowing water? How deep is it and can you get out easily?
- Stay together: Always go with someone else
- Float: If you get into trouble in the water, float to live until you feel calm
- Call 999 or 112: If you see someone else in trouble in the water
- Dr Rosalind Reilly, Consultant in Public Health for the Child Death Review Programme at Public Health Wales, said:
‘Drowning is the second most common cause of non-intentional injury fatalities in children under 18 years of age in Wales, after transport related fatalities.
‘Very sadly, there were five deaths of children under 18 years old in Wales in 2022, so the Child Death Review Programme (CDRP) has worked with Water Safety Wales and RoSPA in order to produce this report examining water-related fatalities in children and young people under 25 between 2013 and 2022.
‘Previous reviews undertaken by the CDRP into deaths by drowning have resulted in action being taken, including the development of a Wales-wide water safety forum, Water Safety Wales, which has developed a wide range of drowning prevention and water safety activities aimed at children and young people in Wales.
‘Clearly, the death of a child or young person has devastating and life changing impacts on families and the wider community. This report will inform the work of water safety professionals, in order to prevent the same thing happening to others.’
Scarlets rugby players Josh Macleod and Macs Page will also be in attendance to help spread the important water safety messages.
READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:Crime
Three more arrested after 18-year-old dies in Gorseinon crash
Five people are now in custody following a collision involving a car and an off-road motorcycle
THREE more men have been arrested after an 18-year-old died following a collision between a car and an off-road motorcycle in Gorseinon.
South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at around 12:58pm on Thursday, where the teenager, who is believed to have been from Swansea, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.
Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.
Police confirmed on Friday that a further three arrests had been made.
A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the investigation to five.
Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday morning while officers continued their investigation.
Cordons had been removed from some streets, although traffic cones, road signs and police tape remained at the roadside.
Gorseinon Rugby Club chairman Ian Murphy said the local community had been left in “deep shock”.
He said: “For youngsters to get involved in a tragedy like this is shocking and disturbing, very disturbing for us all.
“Everybody was talking about it. All the roads were closed by police and ambulances, so it took a while for it to sink in what was going on.
“We were aware that there might have been a chase involving a car and a motorbike, and the full tragedy unfolded from there.”
South Wales Police has not confirmed the circumstances leading up to the collision, and enquiries remain ongoing.
Health
Hywel Dda patients waited average of 64 weeks for hip surgery
Freedom of Information figures show more than 1,600 patients remained on the health board’s hip replacement waiting list in May
PATIENTS awaiting elective hip replacement surgery under Hywel Dda University Health Board waited an average of 450 days during the 2025/26 financial year, according to newly released figures.
The average wait was equivalent to just over 64 weeks, significantly longer than the treatment times set out under Welsh NHS targets.
The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted to the health board by private healthcare marketplace My Medical Gateway.
In Wales, the stated aim is for 95% of patients to begin treatment within 26 weeks of referral, with no patient waiting longer than 36 weeks.
Hywel Dda confirmed that 1,608 patients were on its waiting list for hip replacement surgery as of May 28, 2026.
The health board also said 16 patients had been removed from the waiting list during the 2025/26 financial year after choosing to undergo treatment privately.
Hip replacement surgery is most commonly offered to people experiencing severe pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often after other treatments such as physiotherapy, pain relief, injections and lifestyle changes have failed to provide sufficient relief.
Sara Gezdari, Head of Investor Relations at My Medical Gateway, said prolonged waits could have a serious effect on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
She said: “Many people join NHS waiting lists after already spending months or years attempting to manage their condition through physiotherapy, pain relief medication, injections and lifestyle modifications.
“By the time surgery is recommended, they are often already struggling. The true impact of waiting is measured not in weeks but in declining quality of life.”
She said patients waiting for surgery could experience increasing pain, disrupted sleep, reduced mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and worsening mental health.
Long waits could also have financial consequences, particularly for people whose employment relies on physical mobility.
Ms Gezdari added: “Many patients continue working despite severe symptoms. As pain worsens, productivity often falls. Some reduce their hours. Others leave work entirely.
“The consequences can be particularly significant for self-employed individuals who depend upon physical mobility to earn a living.”
My Medical Gateway said private hip replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £12,549 and £14,950.
The company, which connects UK patients with private hospitals in the European Union, said the average price offered by many European providers was approximately £9,088.
However, travelling abroad for medical treatment can involve additional considerations, including travel costs, insurance, post-operative care and arrangements if complications arise.
The Freedom of Information response was returned by Hywel Dda University Health Board on June 8, 2026.
Education
Saundersfoot graduate secures teaching job before completing degree
Local school placements helped Millie Brace gain the experience and connections needed to begin her career at Templeton Primary School
A SAUNDERSFOOT student is celebrating after graduating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and securing a teaching job in Pembrokeshire before completing her degree.
Millie Brace graduated this week with a BA in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status from UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus.
She will begin her first teaching post at Templeton Primary School in September.
Millie said the opportunity to remain close to home and complete placements in Pembrokeshire schools had been a major factor in her decision to study at UWTSD.
“I chose UWTSD because it allowed me to stay close to my family and continue living at home while studying, which was important to me,” she said.
“Another key reason was the opportunity to complete local teaching placements.
“I knew how competitive teaching jobs can be in Pembrokeshire, so gaining experience in local schools was a great way to build professional connections and develop an understanding of the schools and communities I want to work in.”
Her placements allowed her to gain experience in a range of classrooms and helped her develop the confidence needed to apply for teaching roles.
“Before graduating, I was delighted to secure a teaching position at an amazing primary school in my local area,” she said.
Millie praised the support she received from university staff, school mentors and teachers during her final placement at Lamphey Primary School.
“Although I had not previously taught that particular year group, I received fantastic support from my class mentors and staff at Lamphey Primary School,” she said.
“Their knowledge and experience, combined with the research and understanding I developed through my course and assignments, greatly increased my confidence.”
Millie said the flexibility of the degree allowed her to explore subjects linked directly to her classroom experience and professional development.
“My favourite thing about the course was the flexibility of the assignments,” she said.
“They allowed me to explore topics that genuinely interested me and focus on areas that reflected my personal development targets from placements.
“This made the work feel relevant to my experiences in the classroom and helped me connect theory with practice.”
She also valued the sense of community at the Carmarthen campus and the friendships she formed with other student teachers.
“One of the biggest challenges during my studies was adapting to different placement schools and managing the increasing expectations placed on me as I progressed,” she said.
“Each school had its own routines, approaches and learning environments.
“What helped me most was the support of other student teachers. We shared resources, exchanged ideas and helped each other with lesson planning and preparation.”
Outside her studies, Millie continued to enjoy the Pembrokeshire coastline, spending her spare time paddleboarding, walking her dog and learning to surf.
She said she would recommend UWTSD to anyone considering a career in teaching.
“The course provided excellent placement opportunities, allowing me to gain valuable experience in local schools and build professional connections that helped me secure a teaching job before graduating,” she said.
“I have also made friends for life, and the relationships I built have been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.”
Millie will now take the next step in her career when she joins Templeton Primary School at the beginning of the new academic year.
-
Farming4 days agoPembrokeshire slaughterhouse given urgent improvement rating after audit failure
-
Entertainment3 days agoSwing and big band classics heading to Torch Theatre
-
News4 days agoFrom boccia to boxing: ALN multisport events give youngsters chance to try activities
-
News5 days agoLarge fire breaks out at Impala Terminal in Milford Haven
-
Education5 days agoCouncil failed Welsh language standards over school closure
-
Community7 days agoMilford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town
-
News4 days agoQuestions raised over Hamilton Accies finances after club’s Haverfordwest friendly
-
Farming2 days agoWorking Carmarthenshire farm opens gates to visitors with new holiday cottages







