Woman dies in jet ski crash as the sun brings the crowds out all across Wales
AWOMAN was killed in a crash between a jet ski and a boat as tragedy marred a blisteringly hot weekend that saw thousands flock to Wales’ beaches.
The incident happened close to Menai Bridge on Anglesey at around 7.30pm on Saturday evening in the most serious of a series of incidents that took place during a weekend that saw temperatures reach 29C.
The victim, whose age has not been confirmed, was taken to hospital but died, North Wales Police confirmed
A spokesman for North Wales Police said: “A woman has sadly died following a collision between a jet ski and a boat in the Menai Bridge area yesterday evening (Saturday, August 8)
In a separate incident, a six-yearold boy was airlifted to hospital after being swept away from the beach and out to sea on an inflatable swan.
Ambulance, coastguard and police attended the incident at Morfa Bychan, also known as Black Rock Sands in Gwynedd as a 57-year-old grandfather swam out to rescue the child, who was face down in the water.
Sam McKeeder, from Tywyn, described the moment he realised the boy was “totally unconscious” as he swam to rescue him.
Emergency services were called to the incident at Black Rock Sands beach near Porthmadog in Gwynedd just after 2.40pm on Saturday.
An eyewitness told North Wales Live they saw a boy being “swept out to sea” on an inflatable swan.
It is understood the six-year-old’s father dialled 999 to report him drifting away from the beach and into deeper water.
Mr McKeeder, who works as a builder, said he swam out to help the boy.
The grandfather described finding the child face down in the water after coming off the inflatable toy.
He said: “He was totally unconscious. I turned him around and patted him on his back and then a lot of water and sick came up. He started breathing again.”
Mr McKeeder helped the boy back to shore, where paramedics were waiting and he was given oxygen.
The Welsh Ambulance Service, Coastguard and North Wales Police attended the incident at Morfa Bychan – Black Rock Sands.
The child was airlifted by the Coastguard rescue helicopter to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
Yesterday, sun-seekers were warned not to travel to certain beaches in Wales as their car parks were already full.
Pembrokeshire County Council advised visitors not to travel to Stackpole Quay, Bosherston, Broad Haven South and Freshwater West due to “high volume of demand”, telling potential beachgoers to “avoid the area”.
A spokesman said: “Please avoid the area and consider alternative places to visit in Pembrokeshire.
“If you’re heading to one of our beaches, don’t just set your sights on one place.
“Make a list of beaches you could visit, and be prepared to change your plans if you hit traffic off the main road.
“Please be safe, be responsible and respectful.”
At Barry Island, police were on duty to keep people safe after crowds had packed into the resort on earlier hot days.
Chief Inspector Tony Williams tweeted on Saturday that officers worked in “searing heat” and thanked them for their “committed and selfless” efforts to keep people safe.
Other people who went to Whitmore Bay at Barry Island said that it was “heaving”.
Emma Harding wrote on Twitter: “My parents went to Barry Island this morning early for a coffee. It was heaving. You wouldn’t think we were in a middle of a pandemic. They had to leave but a second wave can’t be far off with such attitudes out there!”
At Porthcawl’s Coney Beach, there were lots of people but social distancing appeared to be being followed on the beach.
People also enjoyed the sunflowers and sands at Rhossili on Gower.
Public Health Wales has urged
people to continue to observe social distancing as they enjoy the sunshine.
On Saturday, Snowdonia National Park Authority advised visitors first thing two car parks were already full, while police warned the area around Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons was “very busy”.
The hot and humid weather arrived in time for the first weekend since pubs, restaurants and cafes in Wales were permitted to open indoors in Wales from Monday.
In Cardiff, the added outdoor seating was more sought after on Saturday evening as scorching temperatures had many craving a drink after a day spent enjoying the sunshine.
Throughout the city centre, bars and restaurants spilled onto the streets, with customers sitting at designated tables.
But things were far more subdued in Cardiff Bay after South Wales Police erected a barrier around Roald Dahl Plass to discourage street drinkers from gathering.
Two were arrested on Friday night as more than 100 people flocked to Cardiff Bay with a sound system, laughing gas and alcohol, despite police warnings.
A man was arrested for obstructing a police officer as they confiscated the sound system and a woman for drunk and disorderly behaviour for the second week in a row.
Detective Chief Inspector Lloyd Williams, from South Wales Police, said: “Cardiff Bay is hugely popular and no one should feel intimidated by the actions of others while they visit.”
South Wales Police said the majority behaved responsibly, but the actions of a “small minority” have caused concern and section 35 dispersal powers have been used.
A force spokesman said: “Despite Cardiff Council cordoning off the amphitheatre section of the basin, a large number of visitors still flocked to the area last night.
“Dispersal and confiscation powers were used after some 130 people arrived with alcohol, nitrous oxide canisters and a large music system.”
According to the police, some of those people had already received warnings for their behaviour in recent weeks.
In the city centre, revellers described their excitement at their first night out after several months of lockdown.
But many appeared to draw their night to close earlier than they expected as they traded stories of struggling to get a table at some of the more popular bars.
Rhys Picton, from Cardiff, was out with friends enjoying a night out before returning to his studies in the USA.
The 21-year-old said: “This is the first time I have been out. We are looking for a ‘Spoons because it’s cheaper. My one mate didn’t manage to get into the last place.
“I feel like it’s safe. We are respecting the social distancing with people who are outside our bubble.”
Adam Balston, 29, from Bassaleg, Newport, said: “We have been to the street food social in Depot.
“It was good. They had good social distancing measures in place and it’s nice to be back to normal really. It’s been a long time coming.
“I read on the news that there had been a few more cases today. But I feel the risk is fairly limited.
“It’s the first proper night out we have had since March.”
Much of the city centre is very different to how it looked before lockdown in Wales.
Castle Street has been transformed into an alfresco dining haven, and foot traffic markings have been placed along pedestrianised roads including St Mary Street, High Street, and Church Street.