I ran a story back on the 23rd of last month about a proposal to build a new lifeguard hut at Cornwall's Constantine Bay and how it had upset the locals. Now the RNLI, who provide the beach's lifeguards, have reluctantly withdrawn their application to North Cornwall's planners for the provision of a new facility. Working with the council's technical services department they will get the existing hut repaired and made safe in preparation for the 2008 season.
There had been a suggestion about continuing to deploy a temporary facility but the RNLI have pointed out that the cost of moving it on and off site each year makes that alternative a no-no.
Go here to see a nice picture of Constantine Bay on a quiet day.
Showing posts with label lifeguards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifeguards. Show all posts
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Objections to lifeguard hut at Constantine Bay
Constantine Bay is about half way down North Cornwall's coast. Whereas so much of that coast is made up of magnificent cliffs with some of the most exhilarating and demanding walking you could wish for there are areas of complete contrast with wide sandy beaches backed by dunes and gentle grassy slopes, tamarisk hedges and golf courses. Constantine Bay fits into this second category. Understandably it's popular with visitors and in the summer has a lifeguard presence.
The lifeguards had previously had a hut to operate from but this had reached its 'sell by date' with the result that currently it has temporary accommodation on the beach which, come the end of the season, is removed from site to be reinstalled the following spring. However the RNLI would like a permanent replacement and this suggestion has locals up in arms, so much so that about 150 of them turned up to confront planners at the Bay. The objectors of course are appreciative of what the lifeguards do but appear to prefer the status quo of the movable accommodation.
A decision has yet to be made by the planners; I've not seen the plans for the proposed building but bearing in mind that something will be there for a good six months of the year whatever happens I do wonder if the problems raised are more imaginary than real. Watch this space for the outcome of the council's deliberations!
The lifeguards had previously had a hut to operate from but this had reached its 'sell by date' with the result that currently it has temporary accommodation on the beach which, come the end of the season, is removed from site to be reinstalled the following spring. However the RNLI would like a permanent replacement and this suggestion has locals up in arms, so much so that about 150 of them turned up to confront planners at the Bay. The objectors of course are appreciative of what the lifeguards do but appear to prefer the status quo of the movable accommodation.
A decision has yet to be made by the planners; I've not seen the plans for the proposed building but bearing in mind that something will be there for a good six months of the year whatever happens I do wonder if the problems raised are more imaginary than real. Watch this space for the outcome of the council's deliberations!
Labels:
Constantine Bay,
lifeguards
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Rip currents cause problems
Last Monday turned out to be a particularly hectic day for some of the RNLI lifeguards on the North Cornwall coast. When dangerous rip currents threatened to drag swimmers out to sea at Perranporth and at Chapel Porth beaches the lifeguards had to swing into action: nearly 40 members of the public had to be rescued.
A couple of weeks ago it was the lifeguards at Bantham in South Devon and at Whitsand Bay west of Plymouth who were doing the necessary as once again swimmers found themselves in trouble.
On lifeguard patrolled beaches the advice is to stay between the red and yellow flags when entering the briny. Other areas can look perfectly innocuous such is the nature of rip currents but don't be deceived. Rip currents, more likely to happen at spring tides rather than neaps, are influenced by the nature of the sand surface below the sea. As waves come in over sandbanks for instance the backwash can be moved sideways and if there is a suitably deep channel this water can make a rapid movement away from the shore - hence the rip. Wikipedia explains what happens pretty well.
It's so easy to forget that the sea is a wild environment where conditions can change in the blink of an eye. All credit to the lifeguards who can turn to instant action mode when the need arises.
A couple of weeks ago it was the lifeguards at Bantham in South Devon and at Whitsand Bay west of Plymouth who were doing the necessary as once again swimmers found themselves in trouble.
On lifeguard patrolled beaches the advice is to stay between the red and yellow flags when entering the briny. Other areas can look perfectly innocuous such is the nature of rip currents but don't be deceived. Rip currents, more likely to happen at spring tides rather than neaps, are influenced by the nature of the sand surface below the sea. As waves come in over sandbanks for instance the backwash can be moved sideways and if there is a suitably deep channel this water can make a rapid movement away from the shore - hence the rip. Wikipedia explains what happens pretty well.
It's so easy to forget that the sea is a wild environment where conditions can change in the blink of an eye. All credit to the lifeguards who can turn to instant action mode when the need arises.
Labels:
lifeguards,
Rip currents
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