RNLI’s top 10 lifeguarded Welsh beaches

The lifeguard service begins on different beaches throughout May, June and July, please check the RNLI website for the dates before you visit. 

If you can't visit a lifeguarded beach, please ensure you follow RNLI safety advice. Weather forecast and tide times can be found on the Met Office website. You may also find the surf forecast information of help.

Famed in recent years as the location for Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island has attracted visitors since the 1870s and the appeal of its golden beaches, cafés and family amusements is stronger than ever. Barry Island Pleasure Park attracts thousands of visitors looking for the thrill of the fairground. Here you'll also find RNLI Barry Island's Visitor Centre and Shop, where the whole family can have a go in an inshore lifeboat and learn all about staying safe on the beach. Look out for the big yellow welly!

A superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle. North Beach is one of the most photographed views in Wales with the harbour at the western end. An enclosed, east-facing beach, it's a real sun trap even on windy days. This bustling resort is a 'must see' along Pembrokeshire's dramatic coastline, offering excellent watersports and a good variety of cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs to choose from. In the distance you'll see the old and new lifeboat stations jutting out of Castle Hill. 

Aberystwyth's North Beach and seafront is a focal point of the town and a favourite attraction for visitors and locals alike - and those who just want to relax by the seaside. Close to the town, the clean, dark sand and shingle beach is accompanied by traditional seaside treats such as bandstand entertainment and the town's Victorian pier. Built in 1864, Aberystwyth Pier was once some 242 metres in length but time and marine storms have seen it reduced to today's 91 metres.

Rhyl and Prestatyn. The names go together like fish and chips, Punch and Judy, sea and sand, conjuring up visions of the traditional Great British seaside holiday in all its unabashed glory. The area may be enjoying a thoroughly modern makeover, but it's still about family fun and enjoying a good, old-fashioned, seaside day out. Don't forget your bucket and spade. 

Originally a hidden village above the old port, Llangrannog is now one of Ceredigion's most popular beach destinations and is part of the Wales Coast Path. The sandy beach nestles below the cliffs and is a favourite destination for families on days out, beach holidays and with surfers. There are great rock pools to explore: find colourful seaweeds, shellfish such as limpets and mussels, as well as starfish and crabs. Keep your eyes out and you may even spot a dolphin in the distance!

Described as one of Europe's best beaches, Pembrey Beach is an eight mile stretch of long golden sand and one of the treasures of the Pembrey Country Park. With its lifeguards and flat sands, Cefn Sidan is a safe friendly beach provides excellent access and facilities for disabled visitors and young children.

Rest Bay is a popular beach with miles of fine-quality golden sand and some rock pools, backed by low cliffs and The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Excellent for watersports, beach surfing, canoeing, kite/wind surfing and body boarding. Very good for walking - you can walk along the coastline to Pink Bay and Sker beach.

Whitesands is a wide sandy beach in St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire; it is located about two miles west of St Davids and about one mile south of St Davids Head. This is one of the best surfing beaches in the country and therefore very popular. The surf 'break' is at the northern end and on busy days there are canoeists, surfers and body boarders competing for the best waves. 

Aberavon Beach is great for families, with many things to do on one of Wales' longest sandy beaches,. The beach boasts an Aquasplash playground, children's play areas and grassed open areas, providing hours of family fun. The Celtic Trail, part of the National Cycle network, takes you along the promenade at Aberavon and is one of its most leisurely and enjoyable sections with fantastic views and a good selection of ice cream parlours and cafés.

With its soft pleasant sand and interesting rock pools, Caswell Bay is a firm favourite with families with young children. Ample cliffs overlook the sands and there are numerous coastal paths with stunning views over the bay, where on a good day you can even catch a glimpse of North Devon across the Bristol Channel. Close by is Bishops Wood nature reserve offering a diverse range of wildlife and beautiful nature walks. Caswell Bay is suitable for watersports.

And don't forget – keep safe and have fun!