New RNLI agreement approved to protect lifeguard services in Porthcawl
Friday 07 February 2025
The RNLI will continue to deliver a seasonal lifeguard service at beaches in Porthcawl after Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet approved an increase in funding to protect current service levels.
The most recent partnership agreement ended in 2024, and Cabinet were asked to consider a number of options which included reductions to service level if no increase in funding was agreed.
The new three-year agreement will cover beaches at Rest Bay, Coney/Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay, with a service in Pink Bay being delivered by the team based at Rest Bay.
Throughout the previous contract, 949 people have been helped by lifeguards, including 12 who are said to have had their lives saved.
The RNLI, alongside other volunteer lifeguard services, play a key part in helping the council maintain its Blue Flag status at beaches in Trecco Bay and Rest Bay.
"We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the RNLI and it’s great news that we have been able to protect this crucial service with no reduction in service level." "We are committed to offering a safe environment for both tourists and residents and it’s clear from the most recent contract that this service does indeed save lives and that is something that we are not willing to compromise on." "It’s also worth noting that as well as saving human lives, this service has also helped to rescue animals that are using the beaches too."