RNLI keeping people safe in Tenby

The RNLI has proven to have gone above and beyond, having seen an increase in rescues in 2014. 1,244 people rescues were carried out in Wales last year, a figure not surpassed since 2006, and Tenby lifeboat station has been tested, with the RNLI last week revealing its status as Wales’ third busiest station in 2014.

The number of people rescued by the iconic orange-themed charity in Tenby almost doubled in 2014 when compared with the previous year, seeing 81 people rescued in 2014 compared to just 42 in 2013. Much of this is thought to be to do with the rise in the number of people who book Tenby holiday cottages for their summer break and taking heed of the RNLI’s advice.

‘Our advice is hitting home’

In speaking to the Tenby Observer, RNLI community incident reduction manager, Nicola Davies, said of the busy status, “We are definitely seeing more people out and about visiting the beautiful Welsh coastline, whether to walk the coastal paths or take part in more adventurous activities.” She went on to say that, “Our message to the public has also been to visit the coast as a group, rather than go it alone.”

Tenby, one of 30 lifeboat stations in Wales, saw an impressive 60 launches in 2014, which equated to 27 launches for the station’s all-weather and 33 launches for the inshore lifeboat. The lifeboats weren’t the only ones busy last year, with Wales’ lifeguards responding to a mammoth 1,261 incidents and assisting 1,376 individuals.

The news comes as both a reassurance of the proficiency of the Welsh RNLI and a reminder that visitors should be vigilant when entering the water. The RNLI recognise that more people are taking heed of their advice and going out and enjoying activities in groups rather than alone, as well as the need to dial 999 early rather than trying tackle the problem single handed.

As the popularity of luxury Pembrokeshire holiday cottages continues, the RNLI continues to advertise the need for visitors to be wary of the sea and respect its varying power.

To find out more about your local RNLI station and how you can be safe on the coast, see the RNLI website.

Image Credit: Sherpa_536 (flickr.com)

This content was written by Emily Bray. Please feel free to visit my Google+ profile to read more stories.