MORE people die on the Welsh coast in August than in any other month of the year, according to the latest figures issued by the RNLI

Yet, worryingly, research from the charity shows less than one-fifth (17%) of people say they would call 999 immediately to request help if they saw someone fall into open water.

According to the RNLI, there have been 16 deaths off the Welsh coast in August over the past five years. Now the charity is calling on the public to "respect the water" this summer as part of a drowning prevention campaign.

Last August, lifeboat crews in Wales launched for 278 emergencies – 23 per cent of their total annual launches and the highest number between 2012 to 2016.

Over the same period, RNLI lifeguards responded to the most beach incidents in August than any other year - 690 cases, which accounted for 55 per cent of their total annual incidents

The number of near-fatal incidents is also highest in August, with the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards in the region saving the most lives during this busy summer month.

Helen Church, RNLI community safety partner for Wales, said: “With summer holidays upon us and hopefully some hot weather, our fantastic beaches are naturally a draw for many people.

"But sadly this also means more people tragically losing their lives or getting into serious danger at the coast. We need to start a national conversation that encourages people to fight their instincts around water so we are asking people to remember and share two skills.

“The first is, if you see someone else in trouble, don’t go into the water yourself as you may also end up in serious danger. Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The second is, if you fall into cold water, fight your instincts to swim hard or thrash about as this could lead to drowning.

“Instead, relax and float on your back, keeping your airway clear, for around 60–90 seconds. This will allow the effects of cold water shock to pass so you can regain control of your breathing and then swim to safety or call for help. Just remembering these two simple points could help save your life, or someone else’s, this summer.”