THE UK’s first automated life-saving device is to be used in Meirionnydd after a series of dangerous rescues threatened the lives of volunteers this summer.

Following a harrowing death toll in the waters around the country over the last few weeks, a forward-thinking camp site manager is bringing in a remote, controlled flotation device which prevents heroic rescuers from having to place themselves in perilous waters.

Site manager Richard Workman, who has braved the sea to rescue people on numerous occasions, said: “We know that this year there has been both locally in Barmouth, but also nationally, a huge rise in people tragically dying in the sea, whilst spending a day at the beach.

“We have also identified that staff entering the water are putting their lives at risk, without a thought to their own safety, so we have found a safer and much faster way to help people in danger in the water at their time of need.

“As Shell Island is situated in the middle of two RNLI lifeboat stations and between two HM Coastguard stations, we know that the average time for both of these valuable rescue teams to get here is approximately 15 minutes.

“We are therefore proud to announce that the UK’s first EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard), will be on station here at Shell Island for the remainder of the season.”

The device is a jet-powered inflatable device that can be controlled remotely from the shore and can travel at speeds of 22mph.

The device, which costs several thousands of pounds, will be located in Shell Island from 13 September.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News