James Evison 12 September 2016

LGA makes cliff-fall warning following 41% rise in rescues

Concern about a rise in the number of cliff-falls has resulted in a beach safety warning by councils and fire authorities.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents all 48 fire and rescue authorities as well as councils, is calling on government to launch a campaign to highlight the risks of climbing, walking along or bathing near cliffs - and to urge people to assess risks.

It made the warning after figures from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) showed 166 launches to people on cliffs in 2015 compared to only 118 in 2014 – a rise of 41%.

Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre also suggest 121 people were admitted to hospital due to cliff-falls in 2014/15 compared to 112 in 2013/14 – an 8% increase.

It has also reached the stage where firefighters are rescuing people from rising tides and cliff-faces at least once a month, as well as stranded dogs, whose owners have also become trapped trying to save them.

One such example of a cliff-fall is a 13-year-old boy airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after falling down a cliff while playing on rocks in North Tyneside.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, warned people it was 'irresponsible and negligent' for inexperienced climbers to be near cliff-faces.

He said: 'Cliff rescues are difficult, dangerous and time-consuming operations which often involve co-ordination with the Coastguard and other emergency services. They put a demand on resources and can lead to fire and rescue services elsewhere being called to provide back-up or cover.

'Some of these can easily be avoided if people take sensible precautions when either walking across clifftops or visiting beaches.'

Blackburn said walkers and bathers should stay away from cliff edges to avoid landslips and rockfalls – and they should never enter closed-off areas. He also advised dogs should be kept on a lead at all times near cliffs.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner