RNLI Port Talbot

28/01/2026

On Monday, just before midday our crew were tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a missing surfer last seen in large swell off Aberavon Beach, close to the North Pier.

The volunteer crew launched in challenging conditions and making best speed, they arrived on scene approximately 8 minutes after the initial call.

The crew spoke with other surfers in the area and carried out a search of the surrounding waters. With nothing found, the lifeboat was stood down by the Coastguard and returned to station. This was the third lifeboat launch of 2026.

Helm, David Jones, said after the service call:

‘After a thorough search of the area, it turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. The informant did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

‘If you’re planning on going for a surf this winter, make sure you always go with someone else. Check the weather and tides before you go and make sure you are wearing the right wetsuit and have your leash attached. Know your limits, as it can be easy to get caught out.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris, added:

‘Our crew are always ready to assist people in peril at sea. Although this was a false alarm with good intent, the training, commitment and teamwork of our volunteers ensures we can respond quickly and search effectively whenever the need arises.’

📸 credit: RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

26/01/2026

🥳More good news to share from us...

Yesterday we held a special presentation for longstanding RNLI volunteer Ronald Jones, who's dedicated almost four decades to saving lives at sea! 🌊🧡

Ronald is a Launch Authority at our station, and he's been awarded an Excellend in Volunteering Award (EVA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our lifesaving work.

Despite facing some personal challenges, Ronald has remained steadfast in carrying out his duties, continuing to support both the station and his fellow crew members.

His dedication, resilience, and commitment to others have not gone unnoticed and speaking after receiving the award, he said:

'It is a massive pleasure to receive an award from the RNLI. I just like contributing to the community and helping the crew.'

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris, praised Ronald’s long and dedicated service, adding:

'Ronald has served the station for nearly 40 years. He is always willing to lead by example, using his vast knowledge and experience to support and guide the crew. His commitment to the RNLI and the people we serve is exceptional.'

Everyone at Port Talbot Lifeboat Station congratulates Ronald on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to saving lives at sea.

26/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations James! 🎉

Last week, James Hagger passed out as a fully operational Shore Crew member at Port Talbot Lifeboat Station.

James was assessed by the station’s Lifeboat Training Coordinator, Paul Skinner, and will now undertake a medical before continuing his training to become a seagoing lifeboat crew member.

James is pictured with Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris, who presented him with his Crew Jacket to mark the occasion.

Well done, James – a fantastic achievement and the start of an exciting journey 👏🚤

20/01/2026

Oof more new stock! Excitingly we have yellow wellie ☔️ umbrellas which are a must for our weather.

New in stock are out giant shortbread cookies!

£12 per umbrella
£4 Cookies

19/01/2026

A few of our popular sellers are now back in stock!

For those wanting our famous biscuits get them whilst you can 🍪❤️

18/01/2026

Keys handed in to the RNLI shop

15/01/2026

Our fundraising team have this stunning hamper available in a raffle! All monies go to saving lives at sea.

£2 a ticket and details can be found through the link

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASkJ8wGPx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/01/2026

Port Talbot RNLI task to a broken down vessel at risk of running aground

This afternoon (Sunday 4 January at 2.11pm ) Port Talbot RNLI were paged for the second time this New Year.

Port Talbot RNLI volunteers had only just left the station after their freezing Sunday training session with most only just warming up and taking their first bite of their Sunday lunch when the pager interrupted.

Launching into freshening Northerly breeze straight from the Arctic volunteer crew launched swiftly but safely minutes after being paged.

HM Coastguard tasking the inshore lifeboat Craig Morris to the casualty vessel with mechanical difficulties at risk of running aground off the Morfa side of the Long Arm Pier.

After a swift but safe passage to the last reported position of the casualty, Port Talbot RNLI helm completed a risk assessment taking into consideration the rapidly falling temperatures, reducing light and risk of grounding.

The decision was made to tow the vessel to the closest port of safety, the River Afan, after turning the many hours of tow training into perfect technique, and commencing the slow tow back. The freshening wind and deteriorating sea conditions resulted in the tow line parting and the entire procedure having to be rapidly restarted.

Port Talbot RNLI helm taking heed of the worsening sea conditions and knowing there was an hour before the tide was sufficiently in to secure the casualty vessel, adopted a steady but sure speed arriving precisely at the right stage of the tide to secure the vessel to the Afan Boat Club pontoon for recovery to their trailer.

Kirstee David Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Our water safety messages are vital for anyone who goes in or around the water, we have a team of people who provide constant updates. We share key safety tips on our social media platforms. Please follow our page for reminders and current advice on keeping safe whilst in the water and around our coastline. Our team at Port Talbot are incredible. They train weekly, keep our shop open 7 days a week and fundraise. They serve our community humbly and with pride. They appreciate all the support and this support fuels the lifesaving service they provide'.

Once the vessel was secured the crew were stood down by HM Coastguard, returning to their recovery site on Aberavon beach, refuelling, washing down and making ready for service before enjoying a well earned cup of hot tea. Photo credit Ceri Jeffreys and Gary Locke

31/12/2025

30/12/2025

New Year dip on the cards? Follow RNLI advice 👇
- Check the weather, tides and sea conditions before you go.
- Take warm clothes, a hot drink and a phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Never swim alone, go with somebody you trust and choose a familiar spot. Let someone know your plans and attend a pre-organised dip.
- Enter the water slowly and never jump in. Walk in, let your breathing settle and swim when you feel in control and comfortable.
- Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float.
- Stay within your limits. Swim parallel to the shore and know when it's time to get out.
- If you get into difficulty, Float to Live.
- If you or someone else needs help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
If in doubt, don't go out. There will always be another day for a safe and enjoyable swim 💙
[Visual description: A video of a swimming group demonstrating our safety tips while going for a cold water dip in the sea. Wearing brightly coloured swim caps while holding orange tow floats, they are seen in the sea together, checking the Met Office app on their phone, enjoying a hot drink in warm layers, walking into the sea across a sandy and pebbly beach, entering the water slowly while staying together, blowing up a tow float, in the water together once again, and practicing Float to Live. The video finishes with a view of waves.]

28/12/2025

This morning 28 December 2025 when most were still getting over the excesses of Christmas.

Two volunteer crews launched under the command of highly experienced 27 year veteran’Dai Jones’.

To undertake mooring , berthing and Navigation.

Second crew undertook emergency procedure.

As 2025 ebbs away awaiting the turn of the tide to bring in 2026.

One constant is the hours upon hours of training that all RNLI volunteers commit to.

With their New Years Resolution always the same to save lives at sea 24/7, day , night, in any weather.

Even after 27 years of service Dai still never leaves his boat till it’s totally checked and ready for service next time our inshore lifeboat Craig Morris is called to duty.

Photo credit Paul Dubec and in black and white Ceri Jeffreys.