NEW Quay lifeboat station has had a busy start to August with the D-class inshore lifeboat launching on each of the first three days of the month.

The first shout saw the station’s youngest crew member, Jess Bainbridge, 17, attend her first callout.

On Saturday, August 1, the inshore lifeboat was launched following reports of two children cut off by the tide in New Quay.

The youngsters were located wading through the water and the lifeboat stood by until they safely reached the beach. Safety advice was also given to another person attempting to follow the same route.

While still on the water, the lifeboat was then requested to assist a 22ft leisure craft which had broken down.

The lifeboat located the vessel to the north-east of New Quay pier and set up a tow before returning the craft to its mooring in New Quay harbour.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI helm said: “It’s been a difficult time, for our newer crew members especially, as we haven’t been able to train for the last few months due to Covid-19 restrictions. That didn’t seem to bother Jess; she was very calm and performed well under pressure.”

Jess, who works at the Cardigan Bay Watersports Centre in New Quay, added: “It was great to finally get that first shout under my belt and I was glad to be able to help.”

On Sunday, August 2, the inshore lifeboat was launched at 12.15pm to assist New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team with an injured person at Llanina, near New Quay.

However, as the lifeboat arrived on scene, ambulance service paramedics had arrived, so the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

On Monday, August 3, the inshore lifeboat was again launched to assist New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team with an injured person on Traeth Gwyn, near New Quay. The casualty was transferred from the beach to New Quay harbour in the lifeboat, and the crew provided casualty care until the ambulance arrived.

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI operations manager said: “With the school holidays in full swing remember to check tide times and weather reports before heading to the coast or out to sea. If you do find yourself in trouble, or if you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”