RNLI lifeguards finish their daily safety service on the beaches of Denbighshire

Lifeguards have lowered the flags and packed their equipment away for the final time this year at Prestatyn and Rhyl beaches.

It has been the first year the RNLI lifeguard service, which is provided in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, has operated in the county. There have been good numbers of visitors to the area’s beaches meaning a busy few months for the RNLI lifeguard team. As well as a number of water rescues, the lifeguards also dealt with a high number of first aid incidents and provided safety advice and assistance to thousands of beachgoers.

Incidents responded to by RNLI lifeguards included rescuing five young children from the water at Prestatyn beach last week and treating a diabetic woman drifting in and out of consciousness, also at Prestatyn.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Matt Jessop said: ‘We are really pleased to be working with Denbighshire County Borough Council to provide a safety service on the beaches Rhyl and Prestatyn.

‘We have also built a strong partnership and have worked closely with our colleagues at Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station throughout the season.

‘I would also like to thank all the lifeguards who provided a first class safety service on the county’s beaches this summer. They have shown commitment and dedication to both their ongoing training and their work on the beaches. The majority of our lifeguards’ work is preventative so as well as the rescues and incidents they were involved in, they will have stopped many more potentially dangerous incidents before they occurred. There will be no red and yellow flags flying at these beaches until next year, which means there’s no lifeguard service operating.

‘People visiting the beaches after this can help keep themselves safe by taking note of the safety signage at the entrance to the beach, asking for advice at Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station, going with a friend or telling someone on the shore where they are going, at the same time always being aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water.’ Peter Rooney, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, added: ‘Autumn sees big spring tides and bigger swell around the coast. People walking on the coast should always check the tide times before setting out and carry a means of communication. The bigger swells mean more unpredictable rip currents in the water so people should take extra care and always consider their safety. ‘‘The RNLI’s advice is not to enter the water if you see someone in trouble but rather to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

Councillor Hugh Irving, Acting Lead Member for Tourism and Leisure at Denbighshire County Council, said: “Denbighshire County Council has been delighted to work in partnership with the RNLI over the summer to provide a lifeguard service in both Rhyl and Prestatyn.

‘We have been impressed with their enthusiasm and professionalism during what has been a difficult summer in terms of beach incidents across the UK. Visitors and residents alike are reassured by the presence of the RNLI lifeguard team and we are pleased to say that the beaches of Denbighshire have been a safer place as a result.’

A host of information and advice on various aspects of water safety is available at their website.