Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is urging his constituents to stay safe on the beach this summer.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, is backing a new safety campaign launched by the Royal National Lifeboat institute.
He said: “I am delighted to see more lifeguards back on our beaches as they open to everyone. I am pleased to support any initiatives which will help save lives this summer while people enjoy the glorious beaches of Wales.
“The RNLI campaign urges parents to protect their families by following key advice and it is important that people are aware of and follow the safety guidelines.
“We must also remember that the two metre social distancing regulation is still in force and it is important for the safety of everyone that this is observed.
“RNLI lifeguards resumed patrols on 14 beaches in Wales last month and they have now returned to a further 12, making a total of 26 for the country.
“It is good to see them back but we must all remember to do our bit to ensure everyone has a safe day out, especially if on a beach which does not have a lifeguard.”
On Welsh beaches in 2019, RNLI lifeguards aided 4801 people in 1850 incidents, saving a total of 39 lives.
RNLI lifeguards around the UK and Ireland helped to reunite nearly 1,800 lost children and teenagers with their families and aided 346 people in incidents involving inflatables.
RNLI Lifesaving Manager for Wales, Matt Crofts, said: ‘As changes to the Welsh Government restrictions come into effect from Monday, more people are expected to visit the coast to exercise and take part in water-based activities. The first few weeks of having lifeguards back on Welsh beaches has helped the RNLI properly test new ways of operating put in place to manage the risks of Coronavirus and have allowed us to accelerate and expand our plans here in Wales this summer.
‘I would like to extend my thanks to lifeboat stations in Wales for maintaining service throughout the pandemic and whilst RNLI lifeboat crews and HM Coastguard are still on call ready to respond to emergencies, the message is clear; we need the public to be aware of dangers, take responsibility for themselves and their loved ones and remember that, in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: ‘We know from sad experience that whether you’re local or not, whatever your ability of experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does. Now, more than ever we need people to respect the sea and the coast.
‘Coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and we all need to follow the rules. Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times.’
Parents are now being urged to take charge and be ‘beach safe’ if they visit the coast to ensure they and their families have the safest summer possible, whether lifeguards are patrolling their beach or not.
The RNLI and HM Coastguard are advising the public not to use inflatables at all and for everyone, especially parents, planning a visit to a beach or the coast to follow this safety advice:
If you can, please visit a lifeguarded beach. But wherever you are;
- Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage.
- Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water.
- Don’t allow your family to swim alone.
- Don’t use inflatables.
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.
- In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard.
