The RNLI Lifeguard service in Wales has been paused during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Patrols were due to begin on Tenby’s South Beach on Friday (April 10) and other selected Welsh beaches this week, but the RNLI has made the decision to pause the rollout of lifeguard patrols.

Following the Government’s instruction as of March 23 for people to stay at home and avoid gathering outdoors, the RNLI has made the decision to pause the rollout of lifeguard patrols.

The decision has been taken to ensure lifeguards adhere to the Government’s instructions to limit contact between people and encourage the public to do the same. Our lifeboat stations remain on service.

A spokesman said: “With the situation changing regularly, we will continue to review the rollout of lifeguard beaches as the season continues with the aim of restoring services when possible. In the meantime, we are working with beach owners to inform the public that lifeguards will not be patrolling.

“At a time when emergency services are already stretched we ask everyone to follow government advice. The RNLI is asking everyone to carefully consider the need to go to visit the beach, the coast or go into the water in case they get into difficulty.”

On Tuesday (April 7) Tenby’s lifeboat crew and coastguards were tasked to deal with a surfer who was reported by a member of the public to be into difficulty between Giltar and Lydstep.

Tenby’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat Haydn Miller was quickly on the water and headed towards Giltar point before beginning their search towards Lydstep, before the volunteer crew soon spotted a local fishing vessel alongside the casualty.

He was taken aboard the lifeboat where he was checked over to make sure he didn’t need medical treatment, before being brought ashore and met by members of Tenby Coastguard Team, who issued words of advice to the surfer.

HM Coastguard Tenby stated: “Can we remind everyone that the instructions for outside exercise from the UK government are running, walking or cycling - not surfing. Please respect the instructions.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have also urged members of the public before to take heed of advice from the Government which has been clear during the coronavirus pandemic to ‘Stay Home Save Lives’.

“Despite that, we’ve had a huge number of incidents at the coast and on the sea, including yachts aground and pleasure boats broken down,” said an Agency spokesperson.

“This shouldn’t be happening. Every 999 call made could put our frontline responders at risk of COVID-19 and places avoidable pressure on our vital NHS services.

“Stretch your legs but not our resources by staying close to home for your exercise.”