THE RNLI is reminding the public to respect the water this bank holiday weekend as the charity commences its lifeguard rollout on selected Swansea beaches.

From Saturday (1 May) RNLI lifeguards will be back at their post offering daily safety service for the summer season on Caswell, Langland and Port Eynon beach.

Working in partnership under a funding arrangement with Swansea Council, RNLI lifeguards returned to their posts earlier than usual this year by offering a safety service on Caswell and Langland over the Easter holidays. The service has also been brought forward at Port Eynon beach on Gower as lifeguards start their daily service from this Saturday until Sunday 5 September.

This year RNLI lifeguards will no longer patrol Swansea Bay as resources have been reallocated to the more popular bathing beaches of Langland, Caswell and Port Eynon. The reconfiguration has meant the RNLI has been able extend the season at beaches which have been assessed to have increased risk to bathers – such as Langland and Caswell – until 19 September.

Vinny Vincent, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea reminds the public to enjoy the coast responsibly this bank holiday weekend:

‘RNLI lifeguards play a vital role in keeping beach visitors safe, but they can’t be everywhere, so will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and water safety work.

‘Lockdown restrictions are now easing and we’re seeing much more people out and about enjoying our coastline. Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open spaces but it’s important to remember it can be an unpredictable and dangerous environment, particularly during spring and early summer when air temperatures are warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock. This is why the RNLI are reminding anyone entering the water to take extra care and avoid unnecessary risks as early season conditions are more challenging.

‘If possible, visit a lifeguarded beach and if entering the water always stay between the red and yellow flags – this is the area that’s carefully monitored by the RNLI lifeguards throughout the day. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, raise your hand and call for help. If you see someone else in trouble, as hard as it may be, never attempt the rescue yourself – alert a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Tracey McNulty, Head of cultural services at Swansea Council, said: ‘It is good to have the RNLI team back on our busiest beaches this summer. As the lockdown restrictions are easing we know they’ll be busier than ever so the RNLI presence will be reassuring for visitors at all three locations.

‘This summer we’d urge everyone to take care on the beaches, observe the rules put in place and follow any instructions from the lifeguards. We can all enjoy a safe visit by doing this, by continuing to keep our distance from others on the beach and by taking our litter and waste home with us.’

The charity’s lifeguards will be providing a daily safety service between the hours of 10am-6pm. For more information on how to stay safe on the beach this Summer visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety