A total of 592 incidents were reported to Milford Haven Coastguard during 2006. Fourteen less than the previous year.

A total of 240 persons were rescued and 353 were assisted. There were 15 recorded fatalities, four more than the previous year.

Statistics released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency also revealed there were three hoaxes last year.

Said Angie Smith, DPRO at Milford Haven Coastguard: "In comparison with 2005, our reported incidents are slightly down, as is the number of people rescued or requiring assistance.

"In recent years, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has concentrated on accident prevention measures, with our local coastguards attending schools, yachting/boating clubs and similar establishments before the 'season' started, giving advice on all things maritime. The continuous dedication and speedy actions of the lifeguards stationed on our beaches to potential dangers, and as always the professional support of the RNLI. "The excellent co-operation between the media and ourselves gave us 'air and page time' to get across our local safety campaigns, so that locals and visitors alike were alert to any maritime related problems in our area of responsibility.

"The national high profile campaign reminding people to alert the Coastguard by calling 999 when things go wrong has also assisted us in attending incidents much speedier and thus assisting or rescuing persons before the situation became more serious.

"The glorious summer saw our inshore sea areas, beaches and cliffs thronged with visitors, and like the RNLI, this was our most eventful time and records show it was our busiest period ever recorded. Unfortunately, this was also the most tragic of seasons with the coastguards dealing with nine of our 15 fatalities.

"The coastguard, RNLI, lifeguards and other partner agencies will continue in the coming year, to carry on their close liaison both on sea and land, with an aim to increase awareness and safety, in order that the sustainable growth of the economically important coastal leisure market of the area is not compromised."