RNLI lifesavers saved 24 people between June and August, compared with 14 lives the previous year.
The latest annual statistics show that in 2020, RNLI volunteer crews at the 30 lifeboat stations - between Flint and Penarth - launched 918 times, aided 991 people and saved 36 lives.
During the summer, RNLI lifeguards on beaches in South Wales, West Wales and Denbighshire in North Wales attended 1,046 incidents and aided 2,673 people.
This year, with more people expected to be holidaying close to home, the RNLI is predicting a summer like no other.
The latest figures show in the RNLI’s West region, (which includes 30 stations in Wales, 11 in the North West of England and five stations on the Isle of Man) that the majority of call outs were to people out walking and running and not expecting to end up in the water.
Crew members Richard Lloyd and Samantha Cox wearing the Helly Hansen ALB kit. Picture: RNLI
RNLI lifeboats launched 112 times to people requiring help after slipping or falling – significantly higher than anywhere else in the UK and Ireland.
Figures also show that people becoming cut off by the tide is a huge cause of concern; Across Wales and the West, there has been 115 lifeboat calls out to people who have found themselves stranded by the tide.
The figure is almost double the national average.
Stuart Wallace, RNLI lifesaving lead for the West (which includes 30 stations in Wales, 11 in the North West of England and five stations on the Isle of Man) said: “We all saw the images of packed beaches around the coast as restrictions lifted last summer, which meant a hugely busy season for the RNLI in Wales and the West as a whole.”
The charity will launch its Mayday campaign on Saturday, May 1 - the fundraiser will run throughout the month.
Supporters are being asked to join the Mayday Mile and cover at least one mile in anyway they chose.
RNLI volunteers at Rhyl plan to run two miles of the promenade in full kit.
Their challenge has inspired keen Denbighshire runner Rob Batterbee who will run 19 miles from Conwy Lifeboat Station, passing Llandudno Lifeboat Station and ending at Rhyl, on Saturday, May 1.
One of the youngest Mayday Mile participants is five year old Mikey Richards from Aberystwyth. Mikey is cycling five miles in his wellies to raise funds to keep his dad safe at sea. Dad Ian Richards is the volunteer helm at Aberystwyth RNLI.
To support Mikey, visit themaydaymile.rnli.org/fundraising/mikeys-yellow-wellie-bike-ride
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday
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