To The Rescue

Every Sunday in summer, the children of Poppit Sands Surf Life Saving Club in Pembrokeshire learn how to save others from the clutches of the sea, and have tons of fun into the bargain.

- Karl West

Are you ready?’ shouts Peter Bodenham to the teenagers in wetsuits. ‘Go!’ Their feet pound through the once calm shallows of Poppit Sands – a Blue Flag strip of sandy coast in north Pembrokeshire. The budding lifeguards drag their surf-boards into the choppy water where they mount and then paddle furiously to a bright yellow marker about 100m out before returning to the beach to finish the race. 

This is Poppit Sands Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), where Peter is vice chairman and coach of the Junior team (aged 12 to 16). Since 1980, the club has trained lifeguards, as well as producing Welsh, British and even a World Champion in various beach sports. The club – 72 children and young adults up to the age of 21 – trains on the beach on Sundays and Tuesdays in summer and once a week at Cardigan swimming pool in winter.

BUILDING STAMINA

Today is a good day – the sun is slowly baking the sand and there is not a blemish in the sapphire sky. Younger members of the Nipper team (aged 7 to 12) paddle their boards on the undulating sea. The yellow hats of others are clearly visible among the waves during a challenging sea swim. They will also learn how to kayak and test their stamina in beach races, including sprints as well as a long run.

Those left on the shore, awaiting their turn, shout and cheer for their friends who begin to emerge from the water for the short sprint back to the beach. As well as pushing themselves physically, members are educated about the beach environment, including useful tips about dangerous rip tides, currents and offshore winds.