A RETIRED firefighter from Barry is urging people to be aware of the dangers of swimming in Jackson's Bay.

And 55-year-old Rob Salter, an experienced swimmer, has found a unique way of issuing the warning - recording an action video and posting it on social media channel, YouTube.

Mr Salter has been lifeguarding on Barry beaches since 1980.

He founded Jackson's Bay surf lifesaving club in 1985, won Welsh surf lifesaving championship surf swim multiple times (age group category) and medalled in British championships multiple times.

He started Jackson's Bay Sea Swimming Club 10 years ago and was the New Year Day swim organiser, formed in 1985, until this year.

Credentials: NYE swim etc details, any relevant qualifications – strength, fitness, swimming…

He regularly train at Barry Leisure Centre in the winter and on the beach in the summer

Mr Salter said he had recorded the warning because there had always been instances on Jacksons Bay where people have underestimated the sea conditions and got themselves into trouble.

He said: "With the increasing popularity of triathlon and sea swimming we have seen a significant increase in swimmers on all Barry beaches but especially on Jacksons Bay.

"There has also been an increase in the use of inflatable canoes and stand up paddle boards.

"This has all contributed to an increase in the number of people getting into trouble.

"There have been at least nine rescues this year from Jackson's Bay and Nells Point.

"These have been carried out by members of Jackson's Bay surf lifesaving club, Whitmore Bay SLSC, Vale SLSC and the RNLI lifeboat.

"The NCI Coastwatch who crew the old coastguard station on Nells Point have also played an important role in spotting people in danger and raising the alarm.

"I made the video in order to highlight the dangers presented by the very strong tidal currents.

"These currents are present on all Barry beaches, although each beach is different they all have their dangers.

"I wanted to show that wherever you are swimming there are likely to be hidden dangers.

"I hope people will watch the video, realise how quickly things can go wrong and take more care in the water.

Mr Salter filmed his swim with a go pro on August, 6, in the early afternoon.

"I was very comfortable, it's a swim that I do regularly.

"I know the currents well and how to get myself back to safety.

"Some people have commented that I should post a video showing how I did this but the purpose of the video is to stop people getting into this situation.

"If they think they know how to get out of it they are more likely to give it a try. It's not as easy as showing what to do either.

"There are a lot of variations in conditions and as the video shows the situation you're in develops quickly.

"I liken it to trying to learn how to ride a bike by watching a video, you just can't do it.

I hope it shows that even when the sea looks safe there could be hidden dangers.

"I hope it encourages people to be more careful and vigilant whether they are training in the sea or out for a day at the seaside with their family.

"I have been swimming this course for decades, I probably swim this point about 60 times a year.

"My swimming ability and knowledge enable me to do this safely.

"Always make sure you are aware of local conditions, swim within your capabilities, swim in a group and best of all swim on a beach with a lifeguard patrol and swim between the red and yellow flags

To view, visit ://youtu.be/AG-bqcgn1WU