A local Community Council has given a safety warning to coastal visitors across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire regarding the high tides this evening (August 14) - after locals risked their own safety to jump to the rescue of several people and dogs last night, who had underestimated the waves, and were swept off a slipway endangered their own lives, as well as others.

Pendine Community Council gave a warning for those wanting a view of the high tides, to not endangered their own lives, as well as others.

“8.4m TIDE. Tonight’s tide is even bigger than last night’s,” shared the Community Council.

“If you are not familiar with our tides, please do not underestimate them. The sheer power of the water on a tide this size is enormous.

“Last night we saw far too many people being swept off their feet on the slipway. Please remember there are rocks, hidden hazards and powerful suction/currents around the sides of the slipway. This can kill you.

Pendine
Pendine beach (Jon Diztorshon Crout/Friends of Pendine)

“If the waves are large tonight, please exercise extreme caution and keep well back from the water. Keep children and dogs close and don't put yourself at risk for a better view.

“A very special thank you to one of our locals, Rich, who stepped in and helped save several people and dogs last night. We are incredibly grateful.

“Enjoy the spectacle – but please respect the sea. Please share to local groups where this will reach visitors to our area!” they added.

Many took to social media to praise the actions of those that had helped.

“It really shouldn't be up to us locals to warn and save people,. Very proud of all who stepped up to save soo many people and dogs last night . I can only hope that richard won't need to risk his own life again,” stated one person.

Another shared: “And Jack James, without them both entering the water and saving a young girl off the rocks, she would have inevitably been seriously hurt. They both themselves sustained injuries . Please be sensible.”

High tide at Amroth, September 9. Photo: Kay Belle
A high tide at Amroth (Photo: Kay Belle)

One person who witnessed the scenes remarked: “Well done Rich, I myself was there and saw what was happening and the help that people and dogs were needing, also very grateful to a gentleman that helped me, when my hat containing my car keys and phone was taken by the water. Thank you.

Another commented: “There were so many amazing people there last night helping families and dogs. The power of the water was something else well done to all who helped.”

Pendine Community Council added: “If the waves are large tonight, please exercise extreme caution. Keep well back from the water. Keep children and dogs close and don’t put ypurself at risk for a better view.

“Enjoy the spectacle - but please respect the sea.”