RHYL RNLI have appointed a new water safety officer.

Lesley Williams, who runs Fins Swim School, has been a supporter of Rhyl RNLI for many years.

Lesley, of Prestatyn, said: "I am extremely excited to have been given this role. We have always woven the water safety message into our swimming lessons. With being by the sea, myself and all my teachers agree it is really important the children (and parents) respect the water, and we all work together to get this message across.

"Being given this role means I can now try and get that message out to the wider community and visitors to the area to hopefully make more people aware of the dangers along our coast and how to keep themselves safe while enjoying our wonderful beaches.

"I’m really looking forward to working with all the crew at Rhyl Lifeboat too.

"As you know, the RNLI is a charity so education can hopefully save money by cutting down on the number of launches."

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are delighted to announce Lesley Williams as our new Water Safety Officer. Lesley who runs her own swimming school, has been an avid supporter of Rhyl RNLI for many years. She has always championed water safety, including helping to deliver swim safe courses, teaching school children how to stay safe in and around open water, across the region.

"Lesley will now spread our key safety messages locally working with local clubs, organisations and others.

"It is also a family affair with Lesley's son Andrew Wilde already long serving volunteer Deputy Coxswain at the station.

"We would like wish Lesley a warm welcome and look forward to working with her."