Llandovery College student Coral Lewis thought it would be a great idea if the proceeds of the College’s ball were to go to the RNLI as its main charity.
Coral knows first-hand how important the work of the RNLI can be, she was one of the RNLI lifeguard team that helped to save 40 people from the sea on Tenby’s South Beach last July.
The dramatic rescue, which received international news coverage, was carried out by Coral along with Adam Pitman and Jon Johnson, using all their professional experience as RNLI-trained lifeguards.
The College’s charity ball will take place on Saturday May 29. It is the highlight of the College’s fundraising year and attracts more than 400 guests.
Last year the College ball raised more than £8000 for Ty Hafan and the College Scholarship funds.
College warden’s wife and event organiser Heidi Hunt – who is an ex GB surf life saving champion having competed and worked on the beaches of Devon for many years – said: ‘The lifeboat crews and lifeguards of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution need all the support they can to train and provide the equipment needed to keep our beaches and sea safe.
‘It is a wonderful cause and our college is very proud of Coral and the role she has played as an RNLI lifeguard.’
RNLI lifeguards will be attending the ball on May 29 and taking along trucks, rescue equipment and promotional material to show those attending the ball the vital work the RNLI carries out in saving lives at sea.
Pembrokeshire Lifeguard Supervisor Chris Rigby said: ‘I speak for everyone in the RNLI when I say a big thank you to Llandovery College for making us their main charity.
‘We feel that the college has every right to be proud of Coral because she is a great lifeguard and a valuable member of the RNLI lifeguard service.
‘The support we get from organisations like Llandovery College and the general public means that we can continue our vital work in saving lives at sea.
‘Last year in Wales, RNLI lifeguards operated at 28 beaches in Wales in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Swansea responded to 1,198 incidents and aided 1,410 people.
‘In Pembrokeshire, where the service has been operating since 2008, the number of people aided has increased by a massive 47% from 561 people aided in 2008 to 823 in 2009.’
