THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people to stay safe near the Welsh coast as severe weather could make our seas and coastlines particularly dangerous.

Lifesaving charity, the RNLI is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

The expected strong winds and severe gales pose a severe safety risk to those visiting the coast.

Named Storm Brendan by Met Eireann, it swept eastwards across Ireland before making its way through the rest of the UK this morning with yellow wind warning in place for most of the Welsh coast.

RNLI regional water safety lead for Wales, Chris Cousens said: "This rough weather could make visiting parts of the Welsh coastline treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.

"Sadly, around 150 people lose their lives on British and Irish coasts each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water.

"Slips, trips and falls can be a major factor in these kinds of incidents."

If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others.