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.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner