The Rhondda (Cold Knap) Lifeguard Club is a not – for – profit registered charity, number 1054305. We are a voluntary lifeguard club and are affiliated to the Royal Life Saving Society and the Surf Life Saving Association of Wales.

We are one of the smallest lifeguard clubs in Wales, with approximately forty members, but we are unique in the fact that we a based in the former coal mining community of the Rhondda, some twenty miles from the sea. From Easter to October half-term, the Club are also based at Cold Knap Point, Barry, where the Vale of Glamorgan Council have provided a building to be used as a lifeguard station.

The Rhondda (Cold Knap) Lifeguard Club was formed by Sgt Bill Dummer from the outdoor swimming pools in the mining community of the Rhondda in 1962. The early years of existence, saw the club without a regular base, so during Sunday’s in the summer months, they would visit many of the popular South Wales beaches to provide a voluntary beach patrol and rescue service. It was after one such visit to Cold Knap, Barry during 1966, that the then Barry District Council asked the Club if they would make Cold Knap their base. The Club started regular patrols at Cold Knap in 1967 and although being run from the Rhondda our Headquarters have been located at Cold Knap Point since then.

Since 1967 the Club are very proud to say, that during the summer months from the end of May to the end of August, they have been found on weekends, regardless of the great British weather, performing voluntary lifeguard duties for the community and visitors of Barry. Shown is a summary of the record of rescues for the last twelve summers. Sixteen people have been saved during that period and in total since 1962, 111 people have been saved, so is there a better endorsement of the invaluable service our volunteers provide?

Summary of rescues
Year 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Rescues 6 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 3

These days the club still provides a voluntary patrol every Sunday from the beginning of May to the end of September. However as well as doing a patrol the club also trains the youth of Barry and the Rhondda areas to become young lifesavers. Children can start from the age of 7 up, by doing lifesaving they will learn valuable life lessons. To read more about this different training sessions that we do.

If you are interested in finding information on how to join please contact us.