A new national report has highlighted variation in how water safety is managed across England’s coastal and estuarine areas, with councils emphasising the need for clearer national guidance and a more coordinated approach to prevention.
“Coastal & Estuarine Water Safety: A Local Authority Perspective”, published by the Local Government Association (LGA) Coastal Special Interest Group (SIG), draws on insights from coastal authorities across the country and provides a national picture of current practice, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Representing over 60% of England’s coastline, the LGA Coastal SIG works to ensure coastal communities are properly recognised in national policy and supported to address complex, place-based challenges.
The report identifies that approaches to water safety can vary between local authorities, with responsibilities often shared across a range of organisations. While many councils are delivering proactive work alongside emergency services and partners, a lack of consistent national guidance, standards, and coordination can lead to differences in approach across the country.
Local authorities also highlight that prevention activity is often delivered within existing resources, which can present challenges as visitor numbers increase and coastal and estuarine environments become more complex to manage.
Coastal and estuarine waters attract millions of visitors each year but can present unpredictable and potentially hazardous conditions. Councils play a central role in managing these risks, working with partners to promote safety and reduce harm, but often do so without a consistent national framework for planning, risk assessment, or public information.
The LGA Coastal SIG, which exists to raise awareness of environmental, economic and social issues affecting coastal communities and ensure they are reflected in national policy, is highlighting the importance of a more joined-up approach that supports local delivery and promotes greater consistency across England.
Cllr Derek Bastiman, the LGA Coastal SIG Member Champion for Beach and Water Safety said:
“Coastal and estuarine environments present unique challenges, and local authorities are working closely with partners to manage risk and support public safety.
This report highlights both the strength of work already taking place and the opportunity to build greater consistency, coordination, and shared learning at a national level.
A more joined-up approach will help ensure efforts across the country are aligned and that communities and visitors are better supported. We at the LGA Coastal SIG are taking forward positive steps to make this happen.”
The report highlights the need for clearer national guidance for water safety planning, a consistent approach to signage and public information, stronger coordination between agencies, and continued investment in prevention and education.
The LGA Coastal SIG will now engage with Government and national partners to take forward the findings. It will also explore hosting a Coastal Local Authority Water Safety Summit, bringing together councils, emergency services, and national organisations to share best practice and support a more coordinated national approach.
Want to read the Report? Find it here: Beach & Water Safety Working Group – LGA Coastal SIG