Lifeboats News Release
RNLI to take on Teignbridge lifeguard service
Date: 04/12/2008
Author: Amy Caldwell, Divisional Regional Relations Manager
Visitors to Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren beaches in Devon can expect an even better lifeguard service from next year, as Teignbridge Council prepares to hand over its lifeguard service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The move, representing more than a year of hard work and negotiations, will mean that two of Teignbridge's most popular resorts will benefit from the RNLI's highly trained lifeguards and specialised lifesaving equipment.
Established in 2001, the RNLI lifeguard service is run in partnership with local authorities and private beach owners on a non-commercial basis. In 2009, RNLI lifeguards will provide vital safety patrols on 89 beaches in the south west, working alongside the local volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews to provide a joined up lifesaving service.
Cllr David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism says;
'This new and improved beach lifeguard service will be a tremendous benefit for visitors to Teignbridge resorts, bringing with it improved equipment and training at no extra cost to taxpayers. The possibility of more lifeguards operating more patrols is a very welcome one, and the move to provide an integrated rescue service from the beach to the open sea will be an added boost to our beaches.
With this new opportunity to add value to the service we look forward to a successful partnership with RNLI, a world leader in beach safety.'
Steve Instance RNLI Lifeguard Inspectors says the RNLI are delighted to be working with Teignbridge Council, he says;
'The RNLI are looking forward to using our knowledge and expertise as a lifesaving charity to enhance the existing lifeguard service provided by the council.
RNLI lifeguards undergo an intensive induction and training programme, which includes training as first responders, these skills and training are backed up by specialised rescue equipment and technical support.
RNLI lifeguards also play a big part in delivering vital beach safety education which helps prevent incidents happening in the first place, and we look forward to working with the council to ensure visitors and locals to Teignbridge can enjoy a safe day out at the beach.'
The new RNLI lifeguard service is due to start in May 2009 and will provide safety patrols on weekends until peak summer season starts in July when it will become a full time service. In the meantime the RNLI will assess shore side facilities, recruit and train staff, and equip the patrol areas.
Mike Schooling, Teignmouth's RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager welcomes the new lifeguard agreement, he said;
'The RNLI will be providing a comprehensive sea and beach safety ring around our popular resort beaches and coast line.'
Notes to editors
- The RNLI is a registered charity, which aims to save lives at sea. It relies on voluntary contributions and legacies to ensure its lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews have the very best training and equipment.
- As landowner and Local Authority, the Council will retain its duty of care and responsibility for the beaches, ensuring that the service is provided in line with a legal agreement with the RNLI. The Council will also be responsible for providing and monitoring public safety equipment and safety signage.
- An official event to launch the RNLI lifeguards service is planned for March 2009, when there will be the opportunity to find out more about the service, the lifesaving equipment used and to meet some of the RNLI lifeguard managers and lifeboat crew from Teignmouth. Details of the event will follow in the New Year.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact RNLI lifeguard Press Officer Amy Caldwell on 07920 818 807 or acaldwell@rnli.org.uk
Teignbridge Council media contacts
Tim Borrett, Media and Communications Officer, 01626 215164 or Tim.Borrett@teignbridge.gov.uk
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
RNLI Public Relations: 01202 336789 or pressoffice@rnli.org.uk.
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre.
Key facts about the RNLI: The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 140 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives.
Visit the RNLI's official YouTube channel for more films and follow our rescue stories on Twitter.
A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
