The RNLI is to provide a new beach lifeguard service in Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow from this summer, it has been announced this week.
RNLI lifeguards will be joining the beach management team on Burnham beach for the summer season onwards while a new lifeguarding service will also be introduced on Berrow beach.
Sedgemoor District Council has provided highly-trained lifeguards at Burnham for many years, but this will be the first time a lifeguard service has been offered at Berrow.
It says its annual review of beach safety and management for both beaches identified the RNLI to be expert providers of beach lifeguard services with training programmes, infrastructure and experience.
The new system of working will provide more flexibility and to cover periods of high tides and increased numbers of visitors on both Burnham and Berrow beaches.
Sedgemoor staff will continue to carry out other beach warden duties, as well as being trained to the Royal Life Saving Society ‘Beach Safety Wardens’ standard.
Cllr Richard Burden, Sedgemoor’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We look forward to welcoming the RNLI to the Burnham and Berrow beach teams; as well as providing an improved service to visitors and residents.”
Steve Instance, RNLI Senior Lifeguard Manager, added: “We have visited the area a number of times and due to the popularity of these beaches it was clear from our risk assessment that a lifeguard service was vital to both sites.”
“We’re pleased to be expanding the service provided to this interesting stretch of coastline and hope the charity’s lifeguards will complement the existing RNLI lifeboat assets at Burnham on Sea, and other local emergency services.”
The news comes five months after beach safety was placed into the spotlight following the tragic death four year-old Dylan Cecil who fell into the sea from Burnham jetty.
