GOVERNMENT CLARITY NEEDED ON LIFEGUARD PROVISION

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Oct 2006

Speaking in a Parliamentary debate, local MP Julia Goldsworthy has called upon the Government to address the issue of lifeguard provision on Cornwall's beaches and clarify the obligations of Local Authorities.

As Cornwall's beaches become more and more popular, not just during the summer but throughout the year, Ms Goldsworthy has questioned whether current lifeguard cover is reflecting that changing need. Kerrier District Council, due to budgetary pressures, has already withdrawn its winter patrol and has also reduced aspects of its summer provision.

Local Authorities currently only provide discretionary lifeguard cover which means there is no central Government resource to help fund these services (which are under increasing pressure from budgetary constraints). The RNLI works in partnership with many beach owners but without formal responsibility for beach safety made clear. The RNLI feel these relationships remain vulnerable to funding pressure.

The matter is further complicated by the fact that many beaches are privately owned and Local Authorities are now considering whether they can afford to fund the necessary cover.

Commenting after the debate, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"The debate gave me the opportunity to press upon the Government the need to make progress on what is clearly a complex issue. Whilst the RNLI is keen to provide lifeguard cover and has proposed a mechanism which would highlight where cover is needed, it needs Government approval and support.

"Only last week, several students got themselves into difficulty when they went swimming off Falmouth. People are now using the beaches outside of the traditional peak season and it is important that lifeguard cover, instead of being reduced, reflects this change in behaviour."

"At a time when the county is bidding for the 2010 world surf life saving championships, which would be an excellent way to champion the popularity of the sport and to put Cornwall on the map, it would be ironic if we were hosting such an event but not providing world-class surf life saving lifeguard cover.

"I was disappointed that the Minister did not respond fully to the RNLI's proposals or commit to clarifying the matter. I have therefore written and requested a meeting with her along with representatives from local authorities, the RNLI and the Surf Lifesaving organisation in order that progress can be made sooner rather than later."

ENDS - For further information please contact Sam Cannicott

email: cannicotts@parliament.uk Tel: 0207 219 8210 / 07751893270