Weymouth Town Council has announced that the swimming rafts that can be found in the sea off the beach at Greenhill, have been abruptly removed due to concerns raised by the RNLI.
In light of Weymouth Town Council’s decision to remove swim rafts in the sea at Greenhill, the RNLI would like to provide clarity regarding our position and responsibilities.
Full Statement:
“The RNLI has no position regarding the use or presence of swimming rafts by landowners; we share information regarding lifeguard operations and limitations to support landowners in their risk assessment process. The Council owns and manages their swim rafts, they have always been located outside of the RNLI lifeguard’s primary response area, which is between the red and yellow flags 300m out to sea. Lifeguards have always taken a proactive approach to managing the safety of water users in and around the rafts, despite it being outside of their immediate responsibility. The RNLI provides a lifeguard service on behalf of Weymouth Town Council at their request on both Weymouth and Greenhill beaches. Lifeguards patrol both beaches daily between 10am and 6pm and beachgoers are encouraged to swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can keep an eye on water users and react if needed. As we head towards the peak school summer holidays, there is no change to RNLI lifeguard’s approach from previous years to keeping water users safe.”
We understand that the removal of the swim rafts may prompt concern or curiosity among beachgoers and residents. It is important to highlight that the decision was made solely by Weymouth Town Council, who are the owners and managers of the rafts.
The RNLI’s role is to provide lifeguard services on behalf of the Council, focusing on designated bathing areas. The area in which the swim rafts were located has always been outside of the RNLI’s core response zone. Nevertheless, our lifeguards have consistently worked proactively to enhance safety in the wider beach and sea environment.
As always, the RNLI encourages beach visitors to swim between the red and yellow flags – the area most closely monitored by lifeguards. Our teams continue to patrol both Weymouth and Greenhill beaches daily between 10am and 6pm throughout the summer season.
As we approach the busy school holiday period, we want to reassure the public that our commitment to safety remains unchanged, and our lifeguards will continue their vital work in keeping water users safe.
The issue with the rafts is of no concern until it is. This will always be the issue with health and safety.
