AS the festive season approaches, the RNLI in Wales is issuing its own call for help as new figures show Christmas call-outs over the last 40 years have rocketed.

Between 1979–1989, Welsh volunteers at stations such as Cardigan and New Quay attended an average of four call outs over the Christmas period.

During the last 10 years, the figure has risen by a dramatic 187 per cent, to an average of 11 lifeboat launches between 2009-2018.

The charity is facing a ‘Perfect Storm’, with more people drowning and a shortfall in funds, meaning support from the public is more vital than ever.

While many families will be thinking about presents, turkey and time with the family, dedicated RNLI volunteers from 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland will be ensuring their traditional yellow wellies and lifejackets are ready for when the call comes.

During the festive period last year (December 24-January 1), RNLI volunteers in Wales launched 23 times from the station’s 30 lifeboat stations and assisted 20 people.

In 1979, there was only one launch during the same period and one person aided. Last Christmas (2018) also saw a significant rise in incidents compared with the same period in 2017, when there were seven launched and two people aided.

Last year was an exceptionally busy time for Penarth RNLI volunteers who were called to fishing vessels in trouble on Christmas Eve and then again on New Years’ Eve.

Christmas Day celebrations in 2015 also came to an abrupt halt for volunteers at Fishguard and New Quay who were called to a yacht in difficulty in adverse weather. It was a similar situation in Tenby who launched their all-weather lifeboat the same day following reports of two people cut off by the tide at Pendine Sands.

As well as RNLI calls increasing during the Christmas period, the cause for callouts has shifted for the volunteers heading to sea.

In the early 80’s, nationally statistics show the most common cause of callout was to vessels with machinery failure. Figures have revealed that since 2000 many of those needing help are often just visiting the coast and not out on vessels or watercraft.

Chris Cousens, RNLI community safety partner for Wales, said: “The festive period is no different to any other time of year and we have such dedicated volunteers ready to respond if a call comes in.

“Around 150 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish Coast each year and over half never even planned to enter the water. As well as slips, trips and falls, tidal cut-offs are also a contributing factor to RNLI call-outs.’

To ensure the RNLI can continue its lifesaving work this Christmas and into the future, the charity is launching a major fundraising appeal The Perfect Storm with the aim of raising £1.8m and recruiting 12,000 new supporters.

The appeal is being launched in response to some major challenges the charity is facing. In 2018, the RNLI’s financial resources dropped by £28.6m.

To support the RNLI’s Perfect Storm appeal this Christmas, visit RNLI.org/ThePerfectStorm