Tributes paid to Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeguard following his death in France.

Able seaman Steffan Rees, 29, was representing the Royal Navy on the Combined services team at the World Defence Rugby tournament in Brittany when he died suddenly this week.

Prior to joining the Royal Navy, Steffan was a valued member of the Ceredigion RNLI Beach Lifeguard team at Aberystwyth. As a mark of respect, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station's flag has been lowered to half-mast in tribute to him.

Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Geraint Wheeler led tributes to Steffan: 'Steffan was a long serving and highly valued member of the RNLI Lifeguard team at Aberystwyth, working to keep others safe on our beaches. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station are extended to his friends and family at this difficult time.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.