As we mentioned at the beginning of the year, since the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) say they plan to cut all funding to lifeguards, a team of people have been pulling together in an attempt to secure lifeguards in one form or another for Ventnor beach.
At Monday night’s public meeting in Ventnor, Cllr Jim Toogood gave an update on the situation, telling the public that £20,000 a year was needed in order to secure lifeguards for Ventnor beach. The IWC, he said, would donate the hut and equipment if volunteers were found.
As many will remember, paid lifeguards were secured for the beach back in 2006, after beach concessionaire Sophie Blake-Bevan bravely rescued two young swimmers caught in the riptide.
Scoccia devastated at loss of lifeguards
County councillor for Ventnor West, Cllr Scoccia, told the meeting how devastated she was that the paid lifeguards were being lost at Ventnor beach, having worked very hard to secure them back in 2006.
She went on to say that she was doing everything she could behind the scenes to help set up volunteer lifeguard team, but that trained lifeguards want to be paid for their services and so the number of volunteers coming forward was very low.
If enough volunteers come forward, training will be provided in order to protect the beach this summer, 2011. Basic fitness is ability to swim 400 metres in less than 8 minutes is all that’s required.
If you’re interested in getting involved get in touch with Mark on (01983) 857756.
