Lifeboat crews in Wales were involved in an increase of some 20% in the number of times they were called out in 2010.
Our own, local lifeboats were no exception. The Mumbles all weather and inshore boats were launched 55 times in the year and rescued no less than 68 people. The Horton and Porteynon lifeboat was launched 27 times and rescued 30 people while the Burry Port lifeboat went out on 29 missions which resulted in the rescue of 33 people.
The major reason for the call outs was engine failure or other mechanical difficulties on small boats and in this connection the RNLI in partnership with the Coastguard and the Department for Trade and Industry has, for some time, been offering free checks for small pleasure craft.
In 2009 the increased number of people taking holidays at home in the UK is also thought to have contributed to the increase in call outs.

The foregoing is a brief summary of an article which appeared in the Evening Post on Monday 25th January and is reproduced with their kind permission..