Little and Broad Haven RNLI assist with New Years Day swim
Swimmers braved the cold sea temperatures in Little Haven on New Years Day, all under the watchful eye of Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew volunteers.
The annual event attracts people from all over the county to brave the cold water for an invigorating dip, raising money for Mind Pembrokeshire in the process. This charity provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Little and Broad Haven RNLI Press Officer, Denys Bassett-Jones said: 'It is always a pleasure to support the New Years Day swim, crew members were positioned near the bathers in case any got into difficulty and to provide reassurance to those entering the water.
'Cold water shock is something people need to be aware of at any time of the year, but in winter months when the temperature is less than 15 degrees it can cause problems very quickly.
'Thankfully the event was a success due to the safety measures put in place by the organisers and RNLI and raised over £1100 for Mind.'
Andy Grey, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Little and Broad Haven, subsequently presented the cheque to one of the volunteer carers at Mind to support them in their valuable work.
The crew received a warm round of applause from the participants and spectators and returned to station once all bathers were safely out of the water.
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.