Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards are getting ready to ensure that revellers at Beach Break Live 2010 have a safe time on Cefn Sidan beach (Pembrey Country Park) during the event, which is taking place from 14 to 18 June.
Every day of the event a team of four RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling their usual patch on Cefn Sidan beach from 10am to 7pm – this is an extra 90 minutes on the normal finish time and an extra lifeguard patrolling the beach.
Two lifeguard supervisors will also be on site to ensure a high level of safety cover.
The lifeguards will also be in close touch with their RNLI colleagues from Burry Port Lifeboat station to ensure that any emergencies requiring rescue are dealt with in the rapid, effective and professional way that the charity deals with incidents.
Phil Davies, Deputy Divisional Lifeguard Manager, emphasised the efforts the RNLI were making to assure all visitors to Beach Break 2010 about their personal safety on the beach and in the sea.
He said: ‘With up to 20,000 people attending the event, particularly if there is good weather, there will inevitably be a lot more people than usual going in the water and using the beach for this time of year.
‘The RNLI does everything it can to provide a safe environment around our coasts. This is the second year for RNLI patrols at Cefn Sidan and we have been on duty there since the middle of May this year.
‘Our message to all those attending the event would be to be aware of what the RNLI’s basic sea safety messages are: that is to always swim between the red and yellow flags, never swim when a red flag is flying or when the beach is not attended by lifeguards and also that beachgoers should always ask RNLI lifeguards for advice about local conditions – especially if it is someone’s first time at a particular beach area.
‘We are sure that if people get to know the RNLI’s beach safety advice, which is being extensively promoted on site by our events team, then the chances of a serious incident on the beach will be greatly reduced.’
As well as the lifeguards and lifeboat crew doing their bit to promote safety at sea and on the beaches, an RNLI events team will be on site during the five-day event promoting the sea safety messages that the charity puts out.
With up to 20,000 students expected to attend Beach Break Live 2010, the events team will be working the crowds during the day to get their message out in a fun way.
Charlotte Bird, Events Manager for Wales and the West had this message for those going to Beach Break 2010: ‘If you’re heading to BBL don’t miss out on all the RNLI fun and games.
‘We will be putting on a whole host of activities to keep people entertained during the festival week and showing beachgoers the best ways to stay safe both in and out of the water with our funky beach safety team. ‘We will also be bringing along our cool VW camper and hook a duck special. If people can handle the pressure after all the partying and hook a duck then they could win a limited edition RNLI goody?’
There will also be a chance for those attending Beach Break to go to lifeguard workshops, get a try at being a lifeguard and the opportunity to participate in a Hit the Surf course, which teaches essential surf safety skills.
Charlotte Bird added: ‘Don’t forget to register your details before you get to the festival, so one of our many helpers can meet you and help set your home (tent) for the week. Also you can book your place for our lifeguard workshops running throughout the week and look out for our secret garden, which is the best place to chill out throughout the festival.
‘However, places are limited so don’t miss out. And when you get to Beach Break Live, while chilling in the garden why not grab your ticket and the chance to win a signed VW lifeguard camper canvass, something no one else at Beach Break Live will be going home with! So make sure it’s you.’
