"The association aims to develop and improve National and International standards of life saving on the beaches of Wales, whilst co-operating with all organisations with similar aims."

 

Peter Lake, MBE - SLSA Wales President

Win

Cold water swimming can have a positive impact on a swimmer’s mental and physical health, but it is important to recognise the dangers in cold water and therefore it is essential to prioritise the swimmers’ safety.

Lifeguards:  Ideally, chose a swimming area covered by beach lifeguards, however it should be recognised, that it is not possible for lifeguards to offer cover on all designated swimming areas, as well as the fact, most beach lifeguards are only employed in the summer months.

Risk Assess:  Before starting any of the activities, ‘Dynamic Risk Assess’. Mentally, create a list of possible hazards in your chosen area and these could include but not be limited to temperature, tides, currents, waves, entry and exit points, etc.  Consider you and your fellow swimmers’ skills and capabilities and if any doubt about the risk; STAY OUT.

Stay Aware of Your Limits: Be mindful of your own abilities and health. If you feel unwell or unable to swim, or the water conditions negatively change, then exit the water immediately. Swim only as far as you can comfortably manage and never swim alone.

Understand Cold Water Shock: Cold water shock can occur in water temperatures of 15°C or lower. It can lead to violent shivering, disorientation, gasping for air and breathing difficulties, which may result in drowning. 

Safety Precautions: Always swim with a ‘buddy’ or in a group.  Bring a towel and warm clothing to dry after your swim. Wear a wetsuit and neoprene gloves to keep warm and reduce the risk of shock. A brightly coloured swimming hat can also enhance visibility as will a brightly coloured buoyancy tow float. 

Warm Up: Start with shorter swims in warmer water to build up endurance and strength.

Stretch: Stretching before swimming can help reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility.

Hydrate: Stay hydrated to maintain muscle function and prevent cramps.

Post-Swim Care: Take time to dry off and change clothes to prevent hypothermia.

 Emergency Procedures: Know where and how to call for help and follow the WATER SAFETY CODE. If you find yourself in trouble, go to dry land and seek medical attention. 

For more detailed safety tips, you can refer to the RoSPA guide on open water swimming safety by clicking the link below

RoSPA- Water safety code | RoSPA’s essential guide for the public

 

National Water Safety Forum - Open Water Swimming Advice

 

Beach Safety

Rip currents are strong currents of water that rush out to sea. They are stronger than even the best swimmers. These currents can swiftly sweep unwary surfers and bodyboarders out to sea. 

 

These rip currents may appear as dark, choppy water. Any time you see debris and foam floating out to sea, chances are you have found a rip current. Avoid the area and if in doubt, don’t go out.

 

Incoming tides isolate rocks from headlands and the shore. Avoid the temptation of strolling out to a secluded area without knowing when the tide rolls back in. The tide can quickly come in without you realising you’ve been cut off.

 

Free tide tables are readily available at most beaches or displayed on the lifeguard tower. Stay off rocks and small, enclosed beaches and know when the tide times to avoid getting rescued.

 

ADVISE

The Ten Commandments of Surf Safety:

• Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim.
• Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.
• Read the signs. If a beach is closed, don't swim there.
• If you are unsure of the surf conditions, ask a lifeguard or lifesaver.
• Don't swim directly after a meal.
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Always check the conditions before running or diving in the water.
• If you get in trouble in the water, don't panic, raise one arm up and float until help arrives.
• Float with a rip current or undertow, don't swim against it.

Remember FLAGS when at the beach:
    F-ind the red and yellow flags and swim between them
    L-ook at the safety signs
    A-sk a lifeguard for advice
    G-et a friend to swim with you
    S-tick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty

 

SLIP-SLAP-SLOP

    SLIP on a tee shirt
    SLAP on a hat
    SLOP on some suncream

   

KNOW YOUR FLAGS!

Coastal Safety

Assume that all cliff edges are unstable. Wet trails or soft sand and earth can make for unstable footing. Rocks can be slippery even when it isn’t raining so keep to paths and avoid walking close to edges in high winds.

 

Keep back from cliff edges – a slip or trip could be fatal as some cliffs overhang or are unstable. Children and dogs may not see potential dangers – such as cliff edges – especially if they are excited.

 

Tombstoning is a high-risk activity involving jumping or diving from a height into open water. Water depth alters with the tide; the water may be shallower whilst submerged objects like rocks may not be visible, which can cause serious injury.

 

The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim and strong currents can rapidly sweep people away. Don’t let alcohol, drugs or peer pressure affect your judgment. Think before you jump!

 

Walking on a coastal footpath can be dangerous, especially if it has an overhang. In some places, winter storms and high waves have eroded the shoreline, increasing the chance of collapse and slides.

 

Play it safe and make sure you wear proper footwear, pay attention to warning signs and stay behind fences and railings. Especially when with small children, stay away from the edge.

About Surf Lifesaving

Surf Life Saving Association WALES is a not-for-profit Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Number ~ 1157762. Thirty-one voluntary lifeguard clubs currently affiliate to SLSA Wales from Jacksons Bay , Barry in the east to Aberystwyth in the west and Rhosneigr on Anglesey in the north.   Covering every Local Authority from the Vale of Glamorgan to Gwynedd and Anglesey in north Wales.  The majority of our lifesavers complete patrols on the weekend and in their own free time.

 

The primary aims & objectives are to save lives, to develop and improve National and International standards of life saving whilst co-operating with all organisations with similar aims. We also aim to provide the facilities for young people to participate in organised life saving activities and sports competitions.

 

We are governed by a management board of trustees who are supported by four commissions representing Lifesaving, Powercraft, Sport and Youth. The Commissions are responsible for delivering the annual management plan to support the Board's strategies that will see the organisation fulfil its purpose.

Our Volenteers

Surf Lifesaving in Wales, would not exist without its army of volunteers and it is almost impossible to overstate our gratitude to the many thousands of community focused members who have contributed to this.  Below are some of these volunteers, who we have recognised in some small way of the years:

 

LIFE MEMBERS

Michael Allen                     Gerald Bassett                       Lyle Bluck                 Glenn Clatworthy            John David                            Martin John              Chris Parry                       Paul Scarborough             Peter Lake. MBE.             James Marks                Colin Morris                         Paul Edwards  Andrea Pennell                 Philip Rees                          Tony Rees                 Dallas Robinson           Elizabeth Thomas                Patrick Thomas                

DECEASED LIFE MEMBERS

    Essex Havard                          Frank Smith                      Charles Thomson. MBE. O.St.J.        Douglas Williams                     Alf Thomas                       Peter Derbyshire                      David Lewis                                  Reg Whittle                                Gerald Cooper             Dr George Middleton.MBE

 

LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR

1996     Aled Rees                          Poppit Sands          

1997     Gerald & Gloria Davies  Rest Bay

1998     Peter Lake                        Penybont                  

1999     Glen Clatworthy            Sker

2000    Karen O'Donoghue-Harris   Rhoose                    

2001     James Marks                Sker

2002    Tony Rees                         Aberavon                  

2003      Peter Morgan              Penybont   

2004     Lisa Pritchard-Evans        Aberporth                  

2005      Chris Parry                  Porthmawr

2006    Nigel Martlew                     Rhoose                    

2007      Martin John                 Aberavon

2008    Craig Robinson                  Penybont                  

2009      Gary Pyke                   Llantwit Major

2010    Andrea Pennell                 Llantwit Major            

2011      David Murphy              Penybont

2012    Craig Robinson                 Penybont                  

2013      Phil Rees                     Rhondda

2014    Lyle Bluck                         Kenfig Sands            

2015      Steve Chambers           Aberavon

2016    Julie Wisden                    Penybont                   

2017      David Allen                   Penybont

2018    Jennie Pitt                       Llantwit Major             

2019      Shan Parry                   Porthmawr

2020    Hugh Murray                   Sker and Pink Bay     

2021      Simon Perry                 Rhoose

2022    Andy Morgan                  Rest Bay

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