RNLI begins lifeguarding beaches

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching a lifeguard service on eight beaches in Ceredigion.

The charity now has volunteers at Tresaith, Llangrannog, Clarach, New Quay Harbour, Borth, Aberporth and Aberystwyth North and South.

The RNLI has taken over responsibility for lifeguard cover from Ceredigion council, which is funding the service.

A total of 26 lifeguards will be on duty from 1000-1800 BST on the eight beaches during the peak summer weeks.

The charity started patrolling beaches in Pembrokeshire last year, and will now take on Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Ceredigion.

More than 100 lifeguards are now employed by the RNLI to cover 28 beaches along Wales' coastline.

Patrols at beaches in Swansea and Cefn Sidan in Carmarthenshire started in May.

The lifeguards will be funded by councils, while training and equipment will be supplied by the RNLI.

As well as rescuing those in trouble, the lifeguards will provide first aid and beach safety information, and advice on potential hazards between 1000 and 1800 BST.

'Flags'

The RNLI's Ceredigion supervisor Elin Jones said: "The RNLI already has lifeboat stations throughout Ceredigion, and the lifeguards' skills will complement those of the volunteer lifeboat crews, providing an integrated rescue service from the beach to the open sea.

"Despite the professional service, beach and water users must still be vigilant.

"Most of the lifeguards' work is preventative, so individuals should listen to their advice and always swim on a life-guarded beach between the red and yellow flags."

The RNLI is taking over lifeguard services from local authorities across the UK. It already protects more than 100 beaches.

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