Operation Beachsafe - Stay safe along our coast

Emergency services highlight perils of the coast

Residents and visitors are urged to stay safe when out along Sefton’s coastline over the summer holidays.

Operation Beachsafe, which runs until September, is a campaign aimed at keeping people safe along the beaches, National Trust areas as well as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Firefighters from Southport Community Fire Station recently carried out a training exercise at Southport Beach, with a Southport Lifeboat crew as part of Operation Beachsafe.

Firefighters from Southport Community Fire Station during their training at Southport Beach with a Southport Lifeboat crew.

Watch Manager Ian Nelson, of Southport Community Fire Station, said: “The training session went well, covering a range of rescue techniques.

“It helps develop links with other agencies ensuring we have a better understanding of each other's capabilities and procedures. This helps us to work better together to help save lives in the future.”

Operation Beachsafe partners include Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Sefton Council, The National Trust, Sefton’s Coast and Countryside Rangers, RNLI lifeguards, British Transport Police and Natural England, along with councillors and parish councillors.

As part of the campaign, people are being offered the following advice on how to stay safe along the beach and in the water.

· Always check the tide times before setting out. Be aware they can change quickly.

· Ensure you don’t get trapped in deep mud in parts of the beaches.

· If using the water, be aware of hazards beneath the surface.

· Take a form of mobile communication that can be used on a water craft and in an emergency. Ensure it has plenty of battery life.

· Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be expected back.

The campaign also aims at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour along the coast.

Inspector for West Sefton Formby, Ainsdale and Hightown, Jim Atherton, said: “There are dedicated people from the partner agencies working together to keep people safe on the coast this summer. “During school holidays and at weekends we would ask visitors to check on social media for updates on any car parking issues.

“I would also ask people to help prevent becoming a victim of theft by ensuring they do not leave any items on display in their cars.”

Operation Beachsafe also aims to keep residents and visitors safe from fires along the coastline and to protect wildlife from deliberate fires.

Station Manager Craig Whitfield, of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “People are urged not to light bonfires or barbecues on the beach, in the sand dunes or in woodland along the coast. “We would also ask people to ensure they do not throw cigarette butts into grassland or woodland areas, as they can easily cause grass fires.

“Fires on grassland and woodland can spread easily causing a danger to people and to wildlife. We want people to enjoy their time on the coast this summer and to stay safe.”

Top photo: Firefighters from Southport Community Fire Station during their training at Southport Beach with a Southport Lifeboat crew.

Story and photo source: Southport Visiter