THE importance of staying safe around the Milford Haven Waterway was highlighted to 40 young people last weekend, at the Port of Milford Haven’s annual WAVE event.

Held at Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, the event saw the Port join forces with a number of agencies to provide workshops focusing on the risks and consequences of tombstoning.

They were led by St Johns Ambulance, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police and Milford Youth Matters.

During the afternoon, the participants were treated to taster sessions in coasteering from TYF, sailing, a simulated rescue by the fire service and raft building co-ordinated by Milford Haven Sea Cadets.

The event culminated in a raft race at Gelliswick between the four teams.

Anna Malloy, PR and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “The WAVE event is a fantastic way to engage with young people in order to raise awareness of the dangers of tombstoning.

"Gelliswick and Milford Marina seem to be popular areas of our coastline for this activity so we wanted to show them what could happen when things go wrong and demonstrate how to enjoy the water safely.

"We’d like to thank all of the organisations who helped to make the event a success.”

A video of the WAVE event can be viewed on the Port’s website at mhpa.co.uk/tombstoning, and online at milfordmercury.co.uk.