An Isle of Wight town council could be about to scrap its Beach Safety Team, which a seafront cafe owner has warned will “absolutely end in tragedy”.
At its meeting next Monday, Ventnor Town Council (VTC) will consider slashing the Ventnor Beach scheme which would save the authority’s upcoming budget £13,000.
Burden: The public perception of the project is not entirely positive
In a Budget Decisions Report, clerk Katherine Burden said the project has been run by VTC for ‘quite some years’.
She said,
“It is understood that the members of staff who had run the project in recent years would not be available for the summer season of 2025.
“Recruitment would likely be difficult due to the nature of the role, and the public perception of the project is not entirely positive.
“The suggestion is to cease the Beach Safety project, retaining the building for alternative uses including housing a defibrillator.”
Lines: Beach Safety Team are vital to Ventnor seafront
Abby Lines, who runs Blake’s Tea Hut, said she sees the need for beach safety volunteers “day in, day out”.
She said,
“The Beach Safety Team are vital to Ventnor seafront. Not only do they provide first aid, but the work they do to prevent accidents and tragedies in the water are paramount.
“Throughout the season they advise people of water conditions, both tides and weather safety.
“I’ve seen it day after day, helping holidaymakers who have no clue about the water let alone the dangers of Ventnor’s unpredictable bay.
“It’s absolute madness to remove such a vital asset to the town and will absolutely end in a tragedy. People of Ventnor must fight this.”
Lines: Beach Safety Team should be “applauded and celebrated, not cut”
Ms Lines asked how other towns have funded “teams of people”, for example Ryde and Sandown, and questioned why it was a “necessity for them” and not Ventnor.
She added the Beach Safety Team should be “applauded and celebrated, not cut”.
Wheatley: Countless people have been rescued
Former lifeguards Nathaniel and Michelle Wheatley echoed Ms Lines’ concerns.
Mr Wheatley said,
“Ventnor beach can have dangerous shore breaks, it is a mixture of sand and rocks, it gets deep really quickly at high tide, meaning people are out of their depths with one step.
“It also has a very strong rip tide, where countless people have been rescued after getting caught in it and pulled around the back of the harbour. There is also the need for first aid especially due to weaver fish.”
Wheatley: Lives will be put at risk
Ms Wheatley added,
“This need hasn’t changed. Lives will be put at risk if Ventnor Council cease beach safety. It is not only the beach rescues but all of the proactive measures that are put in place to keep people safe.
“Ventnor council should be working towards making the beach more desirable and attaining the much desired Blue Flag Award again, not creating a location where families won’t feel safe.”
VTC will meet at 7pm on Monday in the Green Room, Salisbury Gardens.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
