Sea rescues reach 'record levels'

RNLI volunteers in Wales rescued 1,299 people in 2006

Coastal emergencies in Wales are on the increase with lifeboat rescues reaching record levels, the Royal National Lifeboat (RNLI) has revealed.

Figures for 2006 showed a 25% rise compared with the previous year, with RNLI crews saving four people a day.

The charity said the dramatic increase in emergency call-outs at 23 of its 31 stations showed more people were using the sea for leisure.

Rhyl was still the busiest station but Mumbles staged the most rescues.

RNLI sea safety manager Nicola Davies said the increase in incidents was because more and more people were taking to the water.

"We actually saw a 46% increase in people getting into trouble in kayaks and canoes. This is a new trend and again that is going to increase," she said.

RNLI SAFETY TIPS Wear a lifejacket Tell someone where you are going Check your engine and fuel Carry some means of calling for help Check weather and tides

"It's a cheap way to get on the water and people unfortunately are getting into trouble."

The number of rescues in the Gower town more than doubled with 114 incidents in 2006, compared with just 52 the previous year.

There were 115 launches in Rhyl - a small increase from 2005.

The RNLI said 2006 was its busiest year on record, with volunteers in Wales rescuing 1,299 people.

Of the 1,239 lifeboat launches, the greatest number were to power pleasure craft, which represented nearly 300 of emergencies.

'Vitally important'

Mechanical failures were the biggest reason for people getting into difficulties, followed by adverse weather conditions.

Andy Clift, RNLI divisional inspector for the west said: "The latest statistics once again show that coastal emergencies are on in the increase, which puts more pressure than ever on our volunteer crews.

"It is interesting to note that the greatest cause of call-outs has been to pleasure craft, which shows more people than ever are using the sea for leisure purposes."

It was "vitally important" safety advice was followed, he added.

The RNLI provides a round-the-clock search and rescue service to 100 nautical miles from the coast of the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The charity has launched a campaign to raise £10m to train its volunteer crews.