This Saturday, April 21, RNLI lifeguards are returning to their posts to keep visitors safe at beaches in Pembrokeshire. Lifeguards will be patrolling at Tenby South Beach from 10am-6pm from April 18-21.

The RNLI will also be patrolling at Whitesands Beach every day from 10am-6pm from 12-27 April.

Anyone visiting the coast should choose a lifeguarded beach, according to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Last year (2024) RNLI lifeguards in West Wales of responded to 654 incidents, aided 1,055 people, made 96,388 preventative actions and saved five lives.

From Monday, April 21, the service will continue on weekends only at Tenby South until May 25. Whitesands will also be patrolled at weekends only until May 25, when the beach goes live full time.

The RNLI encourages beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach and patrol this area at all times.

Anyone intending on intend on surfing or participating in hard craft activity, should stay between the black and white flags.

At this time of year, when the sea is at its coldest, cold water shock is a possibility. Water temperature below 15 degrees can affect breathing and movement, which often causes panic and can lead to drowning.

Anyone planning a dip is advised to wear a wetsuit, to minimise the risk of cold water shock and the carrying of a floatation device is recommended.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire Stuart Penfold said:

“We’re very much looking forward to having our lifeguards back on the beach. Our team have recently gone through intensive training in preparation for the Easter Holidays.

“Should people plan on going in the sea during the holidays, we encourage them to visit on of our patrolled beaches. We can keep an eye on you between our flags. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.

“If you go in the sea at a non-patrolled beach, make sure you someone knows where you are at all times and that you have a means for calling for help.

“If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you fall in the water unexpectedly, try to relax and float to live.”