Tenby’s RNLI inshore lifeboat crew were left looking for a temporary home for their lifeboat recently following a cliff fall above the station which prompted access to be restricted due to safety issues.

In stepped Pembrokeshire County Council, who offered the use of a unit in the town’s South Beach car park which is normally used by the RNLI Lifeguards during the Summer season.

The unit is perfect for this use and has allowed the relocation of the inshore lifeboat and all necessary kit including dry suits, medical equipment and other items essential for carrying out rescues.

The unit also has toilets and a shower – something the crew aren’t used to with the normal inshore lifeboat station on the harbour. The tractor, which is used for launching and recovery, is stored in a container next to the unit.

Work is currently ongoing to stabilise the cliff above the inshore lifeboat station but there is no estimate on when it will be finished so it is envisaged that the lifeboat will remain at South Beach for at least of couple of months.

Phillip John, coxswain of Tenby lifeboat said: “We are extremely grateful to Pembrokeshire County Council for offering the use of this unit.

“It means that the inshore lifeboat is still available 24 hours a day should it be required and the ease of access and close proximity to the beach means our launch times will also be unaffected by the move away from the harbour”.