Bad summer weather leads to more RNLI callouts in Wales

Adverse weather conditions over the summer led to an increase in RNLI lifeboat callouts.

Wales' boat crews launched almost 600 times - up 1% on last year - figures between June and August show.

But when weather turned fine, it meant a busy time for RNLI lifeguards, who responded to 992 incidents around Welsh beaches.

"This summer has been another challenging season," said Colin Williams, RNLI divisional inspector.

"Adverse weather at weekends has caused a number of callouts for the lifeboats."

HM Coastguard called out boat crews a total of 585 times, according to provisional figures.

All four Anglesey RNLI lifeboats launched at least 19 times each over the three-month period.

Beaumaris lifeboat station was particularly busy, called out 28 times.

West Wales was also busy for both lifeboat crews and lifeguards as Tenby launched 36 times - the busiest station within the division.

And lifeguards responded to 93 incidents at Whitesands beach.

Since the end of the busy period, the RNLI has turned its attention to training with five lifeboat crews taking part in a joint exercise with other agencies on the wind turbines along the north Wales coast.

Mr Williams said the exercise allows lifeboat crews to be prepared in the event of an incident on North Hoyle or Rhyl Flats wind farms.