Porthleven achieves action after speaking out against no lifeguard cover

Porthleven Surf Club has been in contact with multiple relevant bodies to try and get an answer on why there is a lack of RNLI lifeguard cover on the beach.

Rob Munday, Chairman of Porthleven Surf Club, said:

"We at the Porthleven Surf Club have been in contact with RNLI, the national trust and the county council asking why there will be no cover at one of the most dangerous beaches in the county and unfortunately we have been met with the usual answers deflecting on to the COVID-19 situation and the restrictions in place."

After speaking to the RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor on Monday evening, Porthleven Surf Club has been able to reach an agreement on some action plans to help safety.

"He understands our frustration but is hamstrung by management from above," Rob said.

Some of the action plans put in place:

• New signs will be going up making sure that the public is aware that the beach isn't guarded.

• A daily check will be made by supervisors to assess the conditions and if necessary put up more signs with advice not to enter the water when there is swell or strong offshore winds or any other factors.

• There will be a few local casual lifeguards keeping an eye on conditions and checking in with the local lifeguards at Praa if conditions change. But please be aware there are no lifeguards down there all day like there normally would.

• The lifeguard box at Blue Buoy steps has been restocked with life-saving equipment for local key holders to use if necessary.

• A group from the surf club has been set up to liaise with the RNLI with current sea states and busyness to keep them informed and to keep pushing for lifeguard cover.

Rob added: "In order to keep pushing for lifeguard cover please feel free to get in contact with the RNLI yourselves and any incident where you might have needed a lifeguard from a cut foot to getting into difficulty in the water or having boats running too close the beach, please make a note and inform the RNLI.

"The more evidence the better and puts the pressure on the RNLI."