Beach Safe 2015

Officers on patrol throughout the summer holidays.

For a number of years and in conjunction with our partners, we have developed the Beachsafe initiative to Prevent Crime and Disorder and promote public safety on the Beachfront areas. During the summer holidays we dedicate staff to patrol using a marked Police Land Rover and Quad Bikes during peak hours. During adverse and inclement weather, officers are released to other Policing duties.

The partnership includes RNLI, Sefton Coast and Countryside, Mersey Fire and Rescue, National Trust and Natural England and British Transport Police and is supported by Sefton Council and the local ward and Parish councillors.

An incredible amount of visitors come to the area and crime is very low. The popularity of the National Trust site in Formby often causes traffic congestion and we would urge people to look on relevant websites and twitter for information about parking as sometimes the beach car parks at Southport and Ainsdale get closed for safety reasons due to high tides.

There are also lots of parking restrictions in the nearby areas which are enforced by the council so we urge people to park considerately for local residents and also not to have a day out soured by a parking fine or worse still statutory removal. Better still utilise public transport.

We have written permission to use our vehicles on the Beachfront and all riders and drivers have had specialist training. We always respect the environment and the staff are more than happy to speak with visitors and explain what we are doing. Sometimes however they are operationally engaged and unable to answer the question if asked why do you have to drive so quickly over the sand dunes and Beachfront?.

This is simply down to the traction that is needed and also the reason Beach access is restricted to the general public especially around sensitive areas. The quad bikes are ideal for the purpose as there tyre pressures are very, low making them much less impactive on the environment. It would be best described as like driving with balloons as tyres spreading the weight over a wide area.