It came after a group of experienced swimmers completed a recent point swim around Barry Island, highlighting safe swimming practices which involves planning in advance, assessing conditions and looking out for each other before getting in the water.
A spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said: “There’s nothing quite like local knowledge, experience and confidence in the water.
“One of our RNLI Lifeguard Support Team, Sarah, shared this brilliant insight into a recent point swim around Barry Island and we thought it was a really good example of how experienced sea swimmers plan, assess conditions and look out for each other before getting in the water”.
Their first point swim of the year took place at low tide to ensure the tide aided their route.
Swimmers were supported by a spotter and photographer, Julie, a volunteer from the National Coastwatch Institution at Nell’s Point.
Despite swimmers’ experience and preparation, the return to shore at Jackson’s Bay proved challenging.
Sarah told Barry Dock RNLI: “Getting into Jackson’s however was hard work. Getting into any of our local bays is always a slog but this was hard and the water turned very dark as soon as we turned in.
“The lovely Jackson’s mud, we tried to avoid it by heading diagonally in to the rocks but there was no escaping the sludge on our exit.
“Once we looked back there was in fact hardly any water but we all knew we had a decent swim”.
The RNLI is reminding those new to sea swimming to approach the activity with caution and advice, and to go with experienced swimmers at first.
The spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said: “If you’re thinking of getting into sea swimming, take time to build confidence gradually and always think about safety before getting in the water.
“Wear a brightly coloured swim hat so you can be seen easily; use a tow float to help increase your visibility; have a spotter on shore keeping an eye on you where possible, and carry a means of calling for help.
“Wear the right kit for the conditions, including a wetsuit if you feel the cold and wim with others and choose conditions suitable for your ability”.
In an emergency on the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
