New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Station has donated essential personal protective equipment to local doctors and nurses in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.

The station has donated its spare P3 protective masks and boxes of protective gloves to the local GP surgery.

The valved, fold-flat, disposable respirator P3 masks are used on station for maintenance tasks involving potentially hazardous materials and offer the highest level of protection, and the gloves are normally used for maintenance and casualty care activities.

Bernie Davies, New Quay RNLI’s full-time mechanic, said: “I knew the New Quay surgery was desperately short of PPE so I thought what better way to help but to give them the spare masks and gloves we had at the station.”

New Quay Lifeboat Station’s lifeboat medical adviser, Dr Eurig Harries, is a volunteer lifeboat crew member and one of the local GPs.

Meanwhile, New Quay RNLI coxswain Daniel Potter, together with members of the lifeboat crew and other community volunteers, have been busy helping vulnerable members of the community.

Yesterday alone, Dan made more than 50 deliveries of food and prescription medication to those who are unable to leave their homes.

Dan said: “We are trying to do our bit to help the community in these difficult times. If anyone in self-isolation in the New Quay area needs help with essential supplies then please do not hesitate to contact me on 07971 101811.”

Following the government’s instruction for people to stay at home and avoid gathering outdoors, the RNLI has paused the rollout of lifeguard patrols onto beaches.

This is to ensure lifeguards adhere to the government’s instructions to limit contact between people and to encourage the public to do the same. However, lifeboat stations remain on service.

Chris Cousens, RNLI regional water safety lead, said: “During these unprecedented times, we have taken steps to close our lifeboat stations and shops to the public.

"However, RNLI lifeboats remain fully operational and we will still launch to those in peril on the sea.

“Please take time to take note of signage at the entrances of beaches advising of local hazards, check tide times to avoid being cut off and check weather conditions before setting out, as these can change quickly.

"If you see someone in difficulty, or if you get into difficulty yourself, please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”