Visitors to the coast are being reminded to consider their safety as the RNLI’s summer lifeguard service finishes on the majority of the county’s beaches.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Sam Trevor is urging people to think about ways they can keep themselves safe at the beach if they visit when lifeguards are not on duty.

“After this week there will be no red and yellow flags flying on most of the beaches in the area, 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, going with a friend or telling someone on the shore where they are going, and always being aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water. 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, which are strong currents of water running out to sea that can quickly drag you out beyond your depth. If you get caught in a rip, don’t panic, and don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade, don’t swim. If you’re out of your depth and getting tired, try to relax and float for a short time to regain control of your breathing. Then, if you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore, raise your hand and shout for help.

“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.”

The RNLI’s lifeguard service in the county, which is run in partnership with Pembrokeshire Council, has had a busy summer. Incidents responded to by the team include the resuscitation of a collapsed man in a Tenby beach car park, the treating of a boy who suffered a suspected broken leg playing rugby on Whitesands beach and the evacuation of a woman who fell and injured her arm at Porth Melgan, near Whitesands.

Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Paul Harries said: “We are grateful to the RNLI lifeguards for keeping our beaches safe again this season. We look forward to working with them again next year.”

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Chris Rigby added: ‘I would like to thank all the lifeguards who once again provided a first class safety service on the beaches of Pembrokeshire this summer. They have shown commitment and dedication to both their ongoing training and their work on the beaches.”