The Vale of Glamorgan is so fortunate in its coastal location, and many of us take advantage of our stunning coastline. Yet the news of the five men who drowned off Camber Sands alerted us again to the hidden dangers that lie beneath the surface of the sea. Each year there are around 7000 incidents at beaches occur, and around 400 people will die from drowning around the UK.
It is important that living in such near proximity to the sea that we should all bear in mind the numerous risks and dangers present when swimming and boating. Especially when we remember that the RNLI have just finished their summer-long patrols of the Vale’s beaches.
I want to take this opportunity, not only to remind everyone to be safe while at sea and bathing on the beach, but to thank the RNLI and other lifeguard groups for the work they do to keep us safe.
You may have read, as I did, of the exploits of the RNLI crews who recently saved two people from the water around Llantwit Major this August. When you consider that these people had been swiftly swept into the sea from Llantwit beach amid heavy swells and high winds, you have to marvel at the ability of RNLI crews who made it to the scene quickly enough to save their lives.
This summer was a busy period for the local RNLI, with three launches in one day for the Barry lifeboat crew – all of which resulted in zero casualties. And their increased seasonal work is not limited just to the near coast, there have been numerous rescues of boat crews in difficulty in the Bristol Channel with causes ranging from severely dangerous weather, to fires and even mass-seasickness.
We should all be grateful to the RNLI for allowing us to swim and enjoy the water with confidence, supporting the local community and helping to attract visitors to our tourist spots. We should also not forget the work that the completely voluntary Rhonnda Lifeguard Club does on Watchtower Bay, their 40-stong contingent of life savers ready to brave the waves to help those in difficulty.
Having recently visited the Rhondda Lifeguard Club, I know that they and the RNLI believe that 90% of lifeguarding is prevention. That’s why both groups endeavour to teach children to swim at sea. If you would like your children or grandchildren to be safer on the beach, don’t hesitate to get in touch with either group.