Rip current warning after 46 rescues in one week

Parts of the welsh coast could see waves as high as 3m

People visiting Wales' beaches and coasts over the bank holiday weekend are being warned about the possibility of unusually large waves and dangerous sea conditions after a series of rip-current rescues.

In Pembrokeshire alone, 46 people were rescued by RNLI lifeguards earlier this month, including two young children.

Meanwhile surf conditions on Monday and Tuesday could see waves reach up to 3m (9ft 10in), particularly in south and west Wales, with a bigger risk of rip currents.

The RNLI is reminding people to visit beaches with lifeguards present where possible.

"The forecast at the moment for Monday and Tuesday is quite unusual for this time of year as the swell which results in surf is a lot bigger than usual, said Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead.

He said it could lead to some places with waves reaching 3m, adding: "If we get to those heights, that is much bigger than we would expect at any time of the year."

Mr Cousens said the conditions would create a bigger hazard for those using boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

"If you're a swimmer there's increased risk of rip currents and waves, if you're walking along the coast, particularly as it's coupled with high tides, there could be water over spilling into areas that wouldn't normally."

The RNLI is advising people to visit beaches with lifeguards present

The warning comes after a spate of rescues all linked to rip currents which included bodyboarders, swimmers and surfers.

Between 9 and 15 August the RNLI were called to dozens of incidents at Newgale Beach, Tenby Castle Beach and Freshwater West.

At Newgale Beach six people were rescued and and further seven assisted in two days from rip currents after most casualties entered the water outside the flagged lifeguard patrol areas.

On 12 August RNLI lifeguards rescued 14 people and assisted more than 30 people at the same beach, while at Freshwater West 16 people were rescued and more than 40 were assisted on 8 August.

On 11 August lifeguards patrolling at Tenby Castle Beach rescued six people and assisted two people using inflatables who were in difficulty caught in rip currents.

The groups were using inflatables and stand-up-paddleboards, the RNLI said, which were getting swept behind St Catherine's Island by the strong currents.

Other incidents included two young children who started to go underwater after venturing beyond the red and yellow flags on the beach. The RNLI said their parents had been unaware that they were in danger.

What is a rip current?

Rips are strong currents running out to sea which can quickly drag people from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water.

They can reach up to 5mph (8km/h), which is faster than an Olympic swimmer.

Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but the RNLI warns to never underestimate the power of any water.

They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and manmade structures like piers and groynes.

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface.

"Big surf means greater risk from rip currents, and the swell also coincides with spring tides, which means more powerful tidal water movement at greater speed," Mr Cousens said.

People caught in a rip current are advised to not fight against it, and instead swim parallel to the beach until they are free of the current.

If that is not possible then the RNLI says remembering "float to live" is the best thing to do until you can call for help.

James Instance, HM Coastguard divisional commander, said: "Conditions in the Atlantic are predicted to mix with high tides to raise the risk in areas which are expected to be busy with visitors during the holidays.

"There is the likelihood of strong waves and currents which could lead to people being swept out, particularly children or vulnerable people.

"Please stay aware of the state of the sea and the tide, and follow our simple guidance to ensure you have a fun day and come home safe."

What's the forecast over the bank holiday weekend?

Sabrina Lee, BBC Wales meteorologist

Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday itself look to see a good deal of sunshine. Temperatures are set to rise too, potentially reaching 26C in a few spots on Bank Holiday Monday.

The remnants of Hurricane Erin look set to affect Wales from late Monday onwards, bringing some wetter and breezier conditions.

Ahead of this we do expect the winds to strengthen, which in turn will affect coastal conditions, so it's important to check the forecast.