RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire are urging people to consider their own safety on Wales’ beaches this summer.

The charity that saves lives at sea is offering ten top tips for people heading to the beach and in particular for those using the water.

Around two-thirds of people in the UK go to the seaside at least once a year, perhaps for the summer holidays or day trips. Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards responded to more than 9,500 incidents and helped more than 11,000 people on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

During 2008 in Pembrokeshire, the RNLI lifeguards were involved in 509 incidents and assisted more than 561 people.

TEN TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE SUMMER...

Choose the right beach

You are 500 times less likely to drown on a lifeguarded beach. Research the facilities offered on different beaches and always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

Swim in the right place

Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Never swim in the area of the sea sectioned off by black and white flags for activities such as wind surfing.

Read up before you go

Find out about the beach and check the tides before you go.

Know your flags

Make sure you’re aware of the beach safety flags and read local hazard signs.

Stick with your friends

Never swim alone, just in case you get into trouble.

Don’t forget the essentials

Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun and be prepared with water, sunglasses etc. Remember to SLIP on a t-shirt, SLAP on a hat and SLOP on some sunscreen.

Be wary of inflatables

Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas.

Know your own ability

Be aware of your abilities before hiring equipment, such as surfboards.

Try not to panic

If you get into difficulty while in the water, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.

Understand how to help others

If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard or call 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not enter the water yourself.

Jeff Rogers, RNLI Area Lifeguard Supervisor, Pembrokeshire, says:

‘We want people to enjoy themselves at the coast this summer, but are encouraging visitors to make safety a priority. A lot of lifeguards’ work is preventative. They patrol between the hours of 10am and 6pm and give advice and warnings to prevent incidents from happening. These tips are a simple yet essential guideline for beach and water users this summer. Most importantly, we recommend swimming at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags.‘

100 of the charity’s lifeguards now patrol 29 beaches along the coast of Wales. Tenby South and Whitesands have already welcomed the lifeguards this season, with the remaining beaches being patrolled from Saturday 27th June.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

The RNLI’s guide to beach safety, On The Beach, is packed full of top tips on how to stay safe at the beach.  It is available free-of-charge be emailing beachsafety@rnli.org.uk or calling 0800 328 0600.

For more beach safety information, visit www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Meg Pugh, RNLI Lifeguard Press Officer (Wales) on 07824518715 or email Megan_Pugh@rnli.org.uk