Tenby’s lifeboat crew and coastguards were tasked to deal with a surfer reported to be in difficulty on Tuesday (April 7).

Tenby’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat Haydn Miller was launched shortly before 1 pm following a report from a member of the public that a surfer was possibly in difficulty between Giltar and Lydstep.

The lifeboat was quickly on the water and headed towards Giltar Point before beginning their search towards Lydstep.

The volunteer crew soon spotted a local fishing vessel alongside the casualty. The casualty was not in difficulty, but was taken aboard the lifeboat where he was checked over to make sure he didn’t need medical treatment.

The lifeboat then headed in towards Lydstep beach, where the surfer paddled ashore at a safe location and was met by members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. Coastguard rescue officers issued words of advice to the surfer.

Posting on social media later HM Coastguard Tenby stated: “Can we remind everyone that the instructions for outside exercise from the UK government are running, walking or cycling - not surfing. Please respect the instructions.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have also urged members of the public before to take heed of advice from the Government which has been clear during the coronavirus pandemic to ‘Stay Home Save Lives’.

“Despite that, we’ve had a huge number of incidents at the coast and on the sea, including yachts aground and pleasure boats broken down,” said an Agency spokesperson.

“This shouldn’t be happening. Every 999 call made could put our frontline responders at risk of COVID-19 and places avoidable pressure on our vital NHS services.

“Stretch your legs but not our resources by staying close to home for your exercise.”

Following the Government’s instruction as of March 23 for people to stay at home and avoid gathering outdoors, the RNLI has made the decision to pause the rollout of lifeguard patrols on beaches.

Lifeguard patrols of Tenby’s South Beach were due to begin today (Friday, April 10).

The decision has been taken to ensure lifeguards adhere to the Government’s instructions to limit contact between people and encourage the public to do the same. Our lifeboat stations remain on service.

A spokesman said: “With the situation changing regularly, we will continue to review the rollout of lifeguard beaches as the season continues with the aim of restoring services when possible.”