Freshwater Parish Council is set to increase the number of safety buoys deployed for 2022 at the popular Colwell Bay beach, thanks to sponsorship from ‘The Hut’ restaurant.
Ten bright yellow safety buoys were installed around How Ledge, on the north side of Colwell Chine Road in 2021, following an initiative by Freshwater Parish Council on this part of the beach.
A similar project was carried out by Totland Parish Council to the south, to help ensure the safety of both local and visiting swimmers.
Lack of boundaries left swimmers at risk
In the past, safety buoys demarcating the lane for boat access to the Colwell Chine slipway were installed by the Isle of Wight Council, but due to funding cuts those buoys have not been put in the water since 2016.
This lack of boundaries left swimmers and other beach users at risk from powered craft such as speedboats and jet-skis, and other fast-moving watercraft including windsurf and kite surfing boards which use the bay.
James: Good news for snorkelers
Chairman of Freshwater Parish Council, Daniel James, commented,
“The buoys that the two Parishes installed last year were welcomed by all beach users, as they helped mitigate an obvious safety risk in the bay.
“Sponsorship from The Hut will pay for three more large yellow buoys, chain and sinkers around How Ledge, a great snorkeling spot thanks to its rock pools teeming with marine life and rare ‘peacock’s tail’ seaweed.”
The buoys in Colwell Bay were granted planning permission in 2021 and are licensed by the Marine Management Organisation, Trinity House and the Crown Estate.
News shared by Daniel on behalf of Freshwater Parish Council. Ed
Image: ITookSomePhotos under CC BY 4.0
