Calls over the Christmas period have quadrupled since 1980

The organisation said the number of times its volunteer crews were called out between 24 December and 3 January had quadrupled since 1980.

New Year's Day is typically the busiest day of all, it said.

RNLI sea safety manager Peter Chennell urged sailors to take care over the holiday period and warned not to drink alcohol before setting sail.

Nationally, RNLI lifeboat launches over Christmas and new year have increased by 300% since 1980 - almost twice the annual average increase.

When that call for help comes it doesn't matter where you are, what you're doing or what time of year it is - you've just got to drop everything and go RNLI volunteer Robin Copley

In recent years, volunteers at St Davids lifeboat station in Pembrokeshire and Moelfre station on Anglesey have had call-outs at Christmas.

RNLI second coxswain Michael Williams was about to sit down with his wife and five children for lunch on Christmas day last year when he was called away.

Mr Williams said: "It was just before midday and we were waiting for my parents to arrive for Christmas dinner when the pager went off."

Ten volunteers rushed to launch the inshore lifeboat in response to reports of a yacht in difficulty in Red Wharf Bay.

It later emerged the boat had broken free from its moorings with no-one on board.

Mr Williams added: "Luckily last year we were able to get home in time to enjoy Christmas with our families, but this year may well be different.

'Care and attention'

RNLI crew members at St Davids were also called out in rough seas last Christmas to rescue three men stranded on board a burning trawler at night.

Robin Copley - who recently received an RNLI award for his efforts during the rescue - said: "When that call for help comes, it doesn't matter where you are, what you're doing or what time of year it is - you've just got to drop everything and go.

"All that matters is that someone's in trouble and they are relying on you to get out there and help them."

The RNLI said it just took a "little care and attention" to avoid getting into difficulties.

It advised people not to sail, swim or surf in wintry conditions and to take extra care when walking.

Peter Chennell, RNLI Sea Safety Manager, urged: "Please, whatever you're doing this Christmas, don't add to the increasing rescue statistics, which indicate that New Year's Day is the busiest day of the festive period for our volunteer crews."

"If you plan to go for a seaside or cliff top walk, or intend to sail, surf or swim - our best safety advice is to be properly prepared in terms of clothing and equipment and never to mix alcohol with the sea."