Volunteer lifeguards in Porthcawl, Wales, were left devastated after thieves stole vital equipment from Newton Lifeguard Club during a break-in. The club, responsible for beach safety at Newton Beach in Porthcawl and providing local children with training, had their cabin broken into on Friday, August 30. The burglars took equipment such as radios and batteries. Police responded to the incident, and volunteers reinforced the cabin. However, the thieves returned the following night, removing solar panels from the roof, leaving the club with “nothing left.”
Tom Chapman, a qualified lifeguard at the club, estimated the damage to be around £1,500. The club, which operates solely through volunteer efforts and receives no official funding, provides training to both children and adults in beach safety procedures, including rescues and CPR. The theft has severely impacted the club’s ability to continue operations and training for the upcoming season unless they can raise funds to repair the damage and replace the stolen equipment.
A Gofundme campaign has been launched to help replace the stolen gear, with donations already exceeding £700. The South Wales Police are investigating the burglary and urge anyone with information to come forward. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of the club, which relies on community support to continue its essential lifesaving work.
The Newton Lifeguard Club serves as a crucial safety resource for beachgoers and provides invaluable training for local youths. The generosity of donors and supporters will be vital in helping the club recover from this setback and continue their vital work in ensuring the safety of beach users in Porthcawl.