RNLI lifeguards have been saving lives on beaches in England since 2001. This year, they make their first move into another part of the UK, patrolling 12 beaches in Wales as part of the RNLI’s aim to double its beach coverage by 2011.

Having joined forces with Pembrokeshire County Council, the RNLI will provide lifeguard cover on beaches at Poppet Sands, Newport Sands, Whitesands, Newgale, Broad Haven North, Dale, Lydstep, Tenby North, Tenby South, Tenby Castle, Saundersfoot and Amroth.

The council previously employed around 45 lifeguards on its busiest beaches for the June–August high season. Many of them have been accepted as RNLI lifeguards, so the RNLI will benefit from their experience of the local hazards while the lifeguards benefit from the specialist training that the RNLI offers.

There are five RNLI lifeboat stations in Pembrokeshire: Fishguard, St Davids, Angle, Tenby, and Little and Broad Haven. RNLI Lifeguard Inspector John Broad says: ‘The RNLI’s aim to provide a seamless rescue service from the beach to the open sea is being realised in Pembrokeshire, thanks to the forward-thinking council there.

We hope that others will follow.’