RNLI lifeguards have this week begun an intensive training programme, as they gear up to take over safety provision on 12 Pembrokeshire beaches. For the first time in Wales, RNLI lifeguards will operate on the county's beaches from Poppit Sands to Amroth.

The service will commence tomorrow (Saturday) and will run for a 10-week period. Two weeks of training for the new RNLI lifeguards began on Monday, June 16. The new recruits have already picked up new skills such as rescue techniques, first aid and developing fitness. An RNLI wet and dry course is well underway and the new lifeguards are enjoying getting to know their new colleagues through a series of team building activities. Pembrokeshire County Council is the first council in Wales to join forces with the RNLI to provide lifeguards on its beaches. Setting foot in Wales is an exciting move for the charity, which already has 31 RNLI lifeboat stations in the country. Neil Thomas, RNLI divisional lifeguard manager for Wales, said: "This is a really exciting time for the RNLI charity. The RNLI lifeguards are all working really hard and are making fantastic progress with the RNLI training programme. "Every year over 7,000 people get into serious difficulties on UK beaches, which is why there is a need for professional, highly trained and well- managed lifeguards. RNLI lifeguards will be equipped to deal with both minor and major incidents, rescues, lost children and will have the back up of all emergency services. They will be working alongside the coastguard and RNLI lifeboats to provide a seamless rescue service from the beach to the open sea." The role of the RNLI beach lifeguards will also focus on prevention and ensuring people are aware of the dangers at the beach. Kelly Keating, RNLI beach safety programmes manager, said: "We urge the public to be aware of their own beach safety this summer. Wherever possible, they should choose a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, and where in doubt they should seek the advice of the lifeguards. This will help prevent incidents happening in the first place and help to ensure people can enjoy their time at the beach in safety."   The RNLI charity's introduction in Pembrokeshire is a community partnership between the RNLI and Pembrokeshire County Council and as a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary contributions and legacies for income. The RNLI will be relying on the continued support of the public as it brings this new venture into action. Practical advice and tips on how to stay safe can be found at the RNLI's website, http://www.rnli.org.uk/">www.rnli.org.uk/ beachsafety.