Children would have died if groynes were in place, RNLI chief warns

3 hours ago

Richard HuntLocal Democracy Reporting Service

The chairman of the Blackpool RNLI, Steven Fitzgerald, opposes the council's groynes plans

RNLI Fitzgerald stands for a photo along Blackpool beach, wearing an RNLI jacket and clipboard underarm. Blackpool pier can be seen in the distance. He has silver, short hair. — The chairman of the Blackpool RNLI, Steven Fitzgerald, opposes the council's groynes plans

Plans to install controversial beach groynes in Blackpool could put lives at risk, a leading RNLI figure has claimed.

Steven Fitzgerald, chairman of Blackpool RNLI, said two children and an adult that were rescued in May might have died if the structures had been in place.

He said: "We probably only had five seconds before that little lad lost his life. It is the difference between life and death. This is where we're coming from."

Councillor Jane Hugo said Blackpool Council, which is proposing 33 rock groynes across two sites, said the structures would be as far away "as possible" from the piers to provide better access for RNLI vessels.

Council proposals would see 33 groynes installed across both Bispham and Central Beach

LDRS Artist mock up of groynes along Blackpool beach. It's famous Tower can be seen in the distance, while on the beach several long stretches of rocks lie on the beach. — Council proposals would see 33 groynes installed across both Bispham and Central Beach

Fitzgerald said his team opposed the groynes on the basis of safety for the public, crew and operational responders.

"My responsibility is for the safety of the crews that go out there to rescue people that get themselves into trouble," he said.

The RNLI chief told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he believes the structures are "too close" to the piers and would affect their ability to respond to call outs.

Speaking about the May rescue, he added: "Both my experienced helms that day said to me if those groynes had been there, they wouldn't have been able to make that approach at the speed that they did."

Groynes are manmade structures, made of either wood or rock and positioned at right angles to the beach. They help to stem longshore drift and allow time for the beach to build itself back up after a period of erosion.

'Vital' intevention

Hugo said that as a result of RNLI consultation, the council had adjusted the width of the crossover ramps to accommodate their vessels.

"We have also adjusted the alignment of the groynes either side of the slipway opposite Blackpool Lifeboat Station.

"Engagement with the RNLI has been ongoing throughout the development of the scheme," she said.

The council also said installing such structures is "vital" to protect coastal erosion, protect thousands of homes and businesses.

Without intervention, the coastline could be lost "forever", the authority believes.

The rescue mission in May was the RNLI's eleventh that week

RNLI Shot of two RNLI helpers aboard a dingy looking out to South Pier before rescuing the three individuals in May. — The rescue mission in May was the RNLI's eleventh that week

Fitzgerald continued: "Our ethos is saving lives at sea. Our responsibility here is to make sure the crews are equipped, trained, and not put into situations that may be dangerous."

He also raised concerns over the number of groynes included in the proposals.

"They're very close to the piers, and that would affect our ability to get into the piers, and affect rescues.

"If my crews can't get in, who is going to make that rescue?" he said.

The council want to install 17 groynes on the beach between South and North Pier, and 16 at Bispham.

A similar project at Anchorsholme has already been given planning approval.

It will see the sea wall improved and five groynes installed.

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