Gwynedd’s beaches still don’t have RNLI lifeguard cover, despite repeated calls to the county council to install them.

The school holidays and recent good weather have attracted many visitors to the coast, and the RNLI wants to increase the public’s safety by introducing lifeguards to the county’s beaches.

Pete Davies, Barmouth RNLI coxswain, raised the issue once again on Friday, when Joyce Watson, Mid and West Wales AM, and Graham Hogg, the Labour party candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, visited the lifeboat station.

They were given an insight into the work of the RNLI volunteers, but also heard how Gwynedd’s lack of lifeguards is a continuing cause of concern for the county.

Mr Davies said: “We are pleased that Joyce and Graham are taking an active interest in the role of the RNLI in saving lives at sea and promoting positive water safety messages, but also what the community needs to further safeguard the ever increasing number of visitors to the coastal areas in Gwynedd.

“At the moment the council employs wardens but they’re not trained like the RNLI lifeguards are, and they don’t have the equipment they have.

“We’ve got a meeting in August with AM Dafydd Elis-Thomas and we’d like to push this issue with him also.”

In August 2016 two teenagers on a day trip to Barmouth died as a result of strong waves carrying them away from the shore.

Ms Watson said she was dismayed to learn that, despite correspondence and assurances she had at the time from Gwynedd Council, lifeguards had not been introduced on the beach.

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