Irresponsible Tory lifeguard blunder could put lives at risk

Responding to Tory claims that most Cornish beaches would have lifeguard cover from the weekend, Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for the Environment and public safety has issued a statement saying:

"This was a dangerous and misleading statement for Cllr Formosa to make. The RNLI have confirmed this morning that the Conservatives 'have jumped the gun' and are wrong, and that it will be seven beaches from this weekend, including Fistral, with more to come. This is a matter of public safety and it's important that we all give a clear message on which beaches have RNLI cover.

Geoff Brown, Lib Dem portfolio holder for transport and Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central said:

"As someone who has spent a lifetime promoting and delivering beach safety, I was deeply concerned at the irresponsible claim by Cllr Formosa that most beaches in Cornwall will have lifeguard cover from today. The reality is that only 7 Cornish beaches will see lifeguards this weekend including Fistral and Mawgan Porth in the Newquay area. I have already expressed my concerns that Crantock, which due to the ever-changing river system is one of our more dangerous beaches, requires lifeguard cover. I was assured to learn from the RNLI that Crantock is in the next phase of 8 beaches which will be added shortly.

"Many local surfers are highly experienced and rarely create problems for the emergency services but for other beach-goers please take care. Statistics show that you are 500 times more likely to get into difficulty in the sea at a beach without a lifeguard so please use a lifeguarded beach wherever possible or stay safe and keep out of the water."