Local rescue services dealt with an increase in incidents around the Pembrokeshire coast last year, it was revealed last week.
Figures released by Milford Haven Coastguard show a rise on the previous year's figures and a significant increase in the number of people assisted.
In all there were 594 incidents, 78 up on the 2002 figure, while the total number of persons assisted was 581 compared to 324 the previous year.
The total number of persons rescued was down slightly, in fact by just one, from 308 to 307, while eight lives were lost compared to seven in 2002.
District Coastguard Rescue Team call-outs, meanwhile, amounted to 498, some 85 less than the previous year.
Milford Haven Coastguard district operations manager Carl Evans said: "Sadly once again the statistics this year show an increase in incidents over previous years. Of particular concern to Coastguards is the number of incidents along the coastline involving people. Cut off by the tide, cliff incidents, and injuries to persons on the coast account for nearly 40 per cent of the total.
"I urge people to be more aware of the risks that this beautiful yet rugged area may present and take suitable precautions. This must involve seeking advice on weather, tides and dangers, from the Coastguard, as well as being sensible in their choice of footwear and clothing.
"Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Centre is staffed 24 hours a day. We have considerable local knowledge and are keen to give any help and advice that will enhance people's enjoyment of this wonderful part of the coast in safety. Our telephone number is (01646) 690909."
• The figures were released on the same day as a survey was published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which was conducted on behalf of the MCA, by the Amey Performance Measurement Group (Amey PMG). The survey was conducted amongst 2,000 people during March this year.
The purpose of the survey was to enable the MCA to gain a greater understanding of the perceptions of the general public of it as an organisation, particularly with regard to its important accident prevention work. It also aimed to gauge how the general public would react in emergency situations.
Almost half of respondents, 47 per cent, visited the coast once every three to six months to once a year, and of the 2,000 sample, 49 per cent stated that they would call the Coastguard, and 50 per cent stated that they would call 999. Only six per cent responded as don't know or would call some other service (respondents were able to provide more than one response to this question).
The Coastguard were named as the coastal emergency service by 54 per cent of the sample and ranked fourth as the most frequently named service.
On the question of which UK organisation was responsible for ensuring the safety of ships and seafarers, 31 per cent named the Coastguard as being responsible.