RNLI lifeguards are getting ready to Hit the Surf again this summer as the charity’s beach safety programme makes its annual return to Tenby and Whitmore Bay .

Last year over 2,900 pupils from across south and west Wales joined the RNLI lifeguards for a day on the beach - learning vital safety skills ahead of the summer holidays.

The team will return to both Tenby’s South Beach and Whitmore Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan from Monday, May 23, as they start a new term of Hit the Surf.

Last year, over 760 kids from across Pembrokeshire joined the RNLI team at Tenby’s South beach and 480 pupils learnt new skills with the lifeguards on Whitmore Bay in Barry.

Gareth King, RNLI Lifeguard community engagement supervisor explains why Hit the Surf is so popular:

“We’re lucky to have amazing beaches here in Wales and it’s important that kids know how to keep safe when visiting the coast this summer. Hit the Surf teaches kids how to spot the dangers, but more importantly, we teach them never to be afraid to call for help - especially if swimming or bodyboarding in the sea.

“After a lively safety talk by the team, the kids pull on their wetsuits, grab a rescue board and head to the sea with a team of lifeguards - well, the best way to learn is by joining in and having a go yourself!”

During each Hit the Surf session, the kids are taught the meaning of beach flags, the dangers of rip currents and what to do if caught in one; the dangers of tombstoning and the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags.

Hit the Surf will travel the coast of Wales over the next six weeks as they visit Whitesands, Newport, Poppit Sands and New Quay in west Wales as well as Aberavon and Whitmore Bay on the south coast.

For more tips on how to stay safe on the coast this summer visit the RNLI website www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety or download the charity’s beach safety mobile app.