HM Coastguard Aberystwyth

Following the release of the Water Safety Forum’s 2025 Water Incident Database, HM Coastguard are encouraging members of the public visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock and the life saving Float to Live advice.

The dangers are also prevalent in open water such as lakes, reservoirs and quarries. Even on warm days, cold water shock can make it difficult to breathe, swim or stay afloat.

Parents and carers - please speak to children and teenagers about the risks of swimming in unsafe and remote places, and the dangers of peer pressure.
If you get into difficulty in the water - Float to Live:

1. Tilt your head back submerging your ears.
2. Relax and control your breathing.
3. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.
4. Your legs may sink - that's Ok, everyone floats differently.�

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Having made it through bank holiday weekend without any call outs, HM Coastguard Aberystwyth responded to three separate incidents today.

Firstly at just before 1600hrs we were tasked to reports of persons cut off by the tide at the base of Constitution Hill. Once it became clear that the best method of extraction would be by our colleagues at Aberystwyth RNLI we were immediately re-tasked to man the helicopter landing site at Blaendolau playing fields for Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 387. On this occasion the helicopter diverted to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, and so we were released to return to station.

Our third tasking of the day came at just before 1900hrs to once again man the HLS at Blaendolau for Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 387, who this time landed on. With available resources from the ambulance stretched due to other higher priority casualties, we conveyed our own casualty to Ysbyty Bronglais accompanied by the helicopter winch paramedic. We returned the winch paramedic to their colleagues, bid them adieu and then returned to station for approximately 2100hrs.

Our thanks to our colleagues from the flight at St Athan and Aberystwyth RNLI.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Details of our call out early this morning with our colleagues from HM Coastguard Borth, Borth RNLI Lifeboat Station and Aberdyfi Lifeboat, assisting Dyfed-Powys Police.

A great example of multi-agency working and a good outcome for all involved!

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Incident 12 2026

The team were called out at 0020 this morning along with HM Coastguard Aberystwyth to reports of a person who had been reported lost in the sand dunes at Ynyslas.

By using the last known location of the person, a search area was planned out and we split into smaller search teams to cover the ground, using our training to be as effective as possible.

Borth RNLI Lifeboat Station and Aberdyfi Lifeboat also came to assist in the search - thank you teams.

The person was eventually located in the dunes by the coastguard teams, cold and wet but otherwise safe and well.

The teams returned to their stations to wash down the vehicles and eventually stood down just before 4am.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

(Photo of Ynyslas looking towards Aberdyfi during daylight hours)

As the current spell of warm weather continues, please enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastal paths, harbours and piers safely.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Tombstoning isn’t worth the risk 🚫

Jumping or diving from piers, cliffs, jetties, or bridges can cause serious injury or be fatal.

Submerged rocks, shallow water and strong currents aren’t always visible. Once you’re in the water, getting out can be difficult.

Instead, choose a registered coasteering provider, where you’ll have the right training and equipment for a safe, enjoyable experience ✅

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

This morning, Aberystwyth Bravo and Aberystwyth 11, went out on a Local Knowledge Patrol covering areas from Aberystwyth, North to Borth. This is important to keep ourselves appraised of access points and difficulty to access areas, and also helps to refresh our minds on various routes around our area.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

At 1603 today, we were paged alongside our colleagues at HM Coastguard Borth and Aberystwyth RNLI to a person stuck on the cliff below Constitution Hill. After an initial assessment by our Officer in Charge, it was decided that a helicopter extraction was going to be the safest option. Rescue 387 from St Athan was dispatched to the location, and after a successful rescue, the casualty was handed to the Coastguard Rescue Officers waiting on the beach. Once initial assessments had been carried out, the very relieved climber was assisted off the beach and taken back to their car to make their way to hospital. A brilliant example of inter agency teamwork, and a happy outcome.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Exciting news!!! HM Coastguard Aberystwyth has been chosen as the 01st of 04 teams to trial the new MCRVs! This will enhance our off-road capability greatly - if you see us around give us a wave!

Details of our callout yesterday with HM Coastguard Borth, Aberystwyth Fire Station/Gorsaf Dan Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth RNLI and Borth RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea call 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.