Littlehampton and Bognor beach patrols removed despite ‘dangerous’ warning

Plans to do away with beach patrol officers in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis are ‘dangerous’, Arun District Council has been warned.
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A foreshore team of around ten members usually patrol the beaches during the summer, but this year the council has opted not to enlist any – citing ‘difficulties in recruiting and training during the pandemic’.

A member of Littlehampton’s foreshore team has branded the decision ‘dangerous’ and said the teams are already fully trained and raring to go.

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“We worked last summer and there were so many people – there was so much that needed doing,” he said.

Mike Nash, a member of Littlehampton's foreshore team SUS-210802-103212001Mike Nash, a member of Littlehampton's foreshore team SUS-210802-103212001
Mike Nash, a member of Littlehampton's foreshore team SUS-210802-103212001

“If we hadn’t been there, it would’ve been a serious problem. It’s dangerous. We are there for the safety and control of the public on the seafront.”

Beach patrol officers are not permanently employed by the council, but are recruited on a temporary basis every year from April to September.

While lifeguards’ main duties are focusing on the sea for people in distress, patrol officers move along the beach to make sure the public are staying safe on the seafront.

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They administer first aid, help to find missing children, support homeless people staying on the beach and make sure barbecues stay under control.

Vitally, they also keep people out of the harbour mouth during tidal changes, else they risk being swept out to sea.

Without them, said the foreshore team member, there will be nobody to support the public during what is likely to be a busy summer if lockdown restrictions are eased.

The foreshore team is usually deployed in April, one month before lifeguards begin monitoring the beaches in May.

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That will leave the beaches in Littlehampton and Bognor completely unattended during April.

In comparison, neighbouring Worhting employs a full-time, permanent foreshore team.

“If people are aware, hopefully the response will be that the service is merited,” said the member of Arun’s team.

“I think it’s unfair for the public to only find out when the season starts.”

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A spokesman for Arun District Council did not confirm whether an alternative to the foreshore team would be put in place to make sure the beaches are adequately supervised.

The spokesman said: “Due to the difficulties in recruiting and training during the pandemic, we have not recruited beach patrol officers this year. We will review this position as the season progresses.”