COASTGUARDS have issued a safety warning after youths were seen playing “chicken” with waves after Storm Barney hit Aberystwyth with high winds on Tuesday night, leaving at least one man injured.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning of wind for the Ceredigion coast yesterday, Tuesday, with winds between 70 and 80mph expected.

Except for damage to some small trees in the town, Aberystwyth and the surrounding area seems to have escaped relatively unscathed, although youths were seen playing “chicken” — running as close to the breaking waves as possible without getting hit — with the stormy seas, prompting the coastguard to issue a warning.

Lee Crumpler, Mid and North West Wales Coastguard senior coastal operations officer said: “I have seen the photos on Facebook, and what I would say is that it is obviously not advised, don’t do it.

“In severe weather, please stay safe and if you are taking photos, stay a safe distance from the water.

“The backwash of the wave can be just as strong as the breaking wave, and could knock you off your feet and drag you into the sea.

“The past couple of days, we have had severe weather including big waves, heavy rain and strong winds.

“Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat have a weather station, which recorded force 10 gusts of wind yesterday — approximately 55 knots.

“Our message is be cautious by the coast and dial 999 if required.”

Aberystwyth University Students’ Union worker, Adam Pearce was fortunate not to have been more seriously injured when he was knocked to the floor by an unidentified flying object while walking home from work at around 6pm.

Mr Pearce told the Cambrian News: “Struggling against the wind going down Penglais via the path behind Pantycelin, I had my headphones in and was oblivious when I was smacked in the head by something substantial.

“I did not see it coming, and it had continued on in the wind so I did not get a chance to see what it was, but it had knocked sense out of me enough to put me on my backside.

“I went to the hospital just to check and after cleaning it and covering it they sent me on my way without concerns.”

The fire service confirmed Aberystwyth fire crews were not called to deal with any wind-related incidents.