The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability presented a report which updated Cabinet on provision of the Beach and Water Safety services by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for 2020 following the Coronavirus outbreak. He also sought approval of Cabinet to establish a new long term partnership arrangement with the RNLI to operate a seasonal beach lifeguarding service at local beaches and in doing so seek a waiver under paragraph 3.2.3 of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules from the requirement to obtain quotes or tenders by open competition and agreement to enter into a contract with the RNLI.

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability explained that the Coronavirus outbreak had a fundamental impact on the delivery of services undertaken by BCBC and its partners during the period of nationwide lockdown. Further background was provided at section 3 of the report.

He added that over recent weeks BCBC officers and staff from RNLI had been involved in a four step process to determine a level of service that is feasible and safe. The four steps were listed at section 3 of the report.

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability stated that planning for a 2020 provision had been influenced by:

• The notice period prior to the amending of Government restrictions
• The ability and the availability of lifeguards to deploy and, in some cases, train at short notice
• The overall logistics required to run an effective service
• Beach risk profile (which may have changed in light of travel restrictions and social distancing requirements)
• Historical rescue data
• Reviewing what infrastructure is already in place and where the gaps were.

He explained that BCBC officers in partnership with RNLI had reached an agreement in relation to the provision on beach and water safety services for the summer season of 2020.  the provision launched involved the following, which was subject to monitoring and may change:

· Rest Bay: 20th June with a finish date of 6th September.

· Coney/Sandy Bay: 4th July with a finish date of 6th September.

· Trecco Bay: 4th July with a finish date of 6th September (subject to confirmation of funding from Parkdean holiday park at Trecco Bay)

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability stated that it was therefore proposed that BCBC and the RNLI enter into a new three year partnership agreement to operate seasonal beach lifeguarding services at Porthcawl’s beaches, commencing in 2021.  He explained the core funding contribution by BCBC of £38,000 per year with additional funding was being sought from key stakeholders to enhance the level of resource available. 

The Leader thanked The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability for the report and the work on this vital service.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration explained that Cabinet Members were concerned with the impact of austerity on the lifeboat service and concerned that savings would need to be made in this area but the agreements made at that time with the RNLI was a great relief, and therefore supported this new agreement.  He added that many businesses on the seafront benefit from the services provided and contribute towards keeping these services going and hoped that these contributions would continue.

He also added that at a recent destination management meeting, the operator of the Porthcawl Surf School mentioned we could be making more use of the volunteer lifeguards so that may be worth pursuing for particular areas of the coast that were not covered as much or did not have out of hours coverage.

The Leader stated that the RNLI were in a particular difficult positon as they relied largely on charitable donations and fundraising activities as opposed to Welsh Government grants.  He added that he was pleased that the Council continued to work with Porthcawl Town Council as well as Parkdean and paid tribute to the volunteers who work at the lifeboat stations.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Noted the process undertaken by BCBC officers and RNLI to determine the level of beach and water safety service communicated prior to its launch on 20th June 2020 and the on-going monitoring process.

Authorised the Corporate Director, Communities to finalise negotiations with the RNLI and enter into a three year partnership arrangement and associated service level agreement with the RNLI and in doing so agreed a waiver under paragraph 3.2.3 of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.