More than 1,000 people were rescued by the RNLI last year

Around Wales, lifeboats were launched 1,062 times last year, up 15% on 2002, and crews rescued 1,061 people, compared to 859 the previous year.

The busiest stations around Wales were Tenby, which saw 78 launches and 46 rescues, and Beaumaris on Anglesey, which witnessed 77 launches and 93 rescues.

The long hot summer has been partly blamed for the increase in call-outs, which contributed to a record 8,047 launches across the UK during the year.

The total number of lifeboat launches in the UK has increased year-on-year since 1986.

RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto said there were a number of factors which had contributed to the increase.

"The changing patterns of sea use by the public, improved search and rescue techniques and the dramatic growth in the use of mobile telephones among the public," he said.

Busiest stations in 2003 Tenby: 78 launches, 46 rescues Beaumaris: 77 launches, 93 rescues Mumbles: 61 launches, 93 rescues Trearddur: 60 launches, 54 rescues Rhyl: 59 launches, 44 rescues

"And, particularly for 2003, the long, hot summer," he added.

However, the rise is causing concern, and the organisation is now attempting to reduce numbers with preventative initiatives such as the Sea Check scheme.

Sea Check sees RNLI volunteers trained up to offer free safety advice to boat owners.

They also make sure people have the right equipment on board when they put to sea.

The RNLI is also expanding its beach lifeguard service and is introducing more hovercrafts.

Mr Vlasto said the RNLI was committed to encouraging sea users to be safe "because launching lifeboats was expensive and risky to crews".

The annual running costs of the RNLI, which is a registered charity, were around �107m in 2003.