More than 2,600 individuals have signed a petition demanding additional lifeguards at the popular Seaton Carew beach following the deaths of two men over the weekend. The appeal was started by the childhood best friend of Jordan Moon, who was just eight years old when he was swept out to sea by a freak wave 23 years ago.
Petition Launched After Double Tragedy
Becca Ringwood has urged for enhanced lifeguard provision at the busy coastal spot after the latest tragedy which claimed two men's lives on Sunday, 12 July, at the very same beach. The heartbreaking tragedy occurred at approximately 3.45pm when two youngsters found themselves in peril in the water. While both children were rescued, two of the men who rushed to their assistance tragically perished, including heroic father Wayne Taylor.
The petition, established with the backing of Jordan's mother, has attracted signatures from over 2,600 individuals determined to avert further fatalities. In August 2003, Jordan was at the beach accompanied by relatives and friends. He was near the shoreline when a freak wave picked him up and swept him out to sea. A rescue helicopter in the vicinity retrieved him from the water and transported him to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, but heartbreakingly the young boy could not be saved, reports Teesside Live.
Council Cuts Linked to Past Tragedy
Merely two years before his death, Hartlepool Council had implemented reductions to lifeguard provision as a cost-saving measure. Becca, now aged 33, said: "We were always together. It has impacted all of our lives, it is with us every single day. I can't go to the beach and I won't let my children go to the beach. I have tried and tried for years, going backwards and forwards to the council for more lifeguards. How many more lives is it going to cost?"
Teesside Live has reported that Cllr Sue Little, the ward's representative, has reached out to fellow councillors urging an enhanced lifeguard presence at Seaton Beach. She said: "Not just for the six weeks holidays. I'm hoping for from May till end of September. Hopefully everyone will agree, doesn't matter about party politics when it comes to a life."
Petition Calls for Extended Lifeguard Coverage
In the petition, Becca says: "Hartlepool, a coastal haven cherished by residents and visitors alike, draws thousands to its sands and waves. Whether for leisure, sport, or simply the joy of being near the water, our beaches are a significant part of community life. Yet, the persistent risk posed by a lack of lifeguards is a shadow over this charm - one that could and should be addressed. Currently, lifeguards patrol our beaches only during the six weeks of school holidays. This limited coverage overlooks the busy periods before and after these weeks, where many people continue to frequent the beaches. The sea doesn't close shop after summer holidays, and neither should our safety measures."
She adds: "We propose extending the lifeguard services so that they operate multiple months outside of just the school holidays. This would ensure that our beaches are safe year-round, reducing the risk of accidents and providing peace of mind to all beachgoers."
Council Recruitment Drive
Hartlepool Council's website posted a recruitment drive for lifeguards at "the main beach at Seaton Carew" on 5 March this year, seeking eight beach lifeguards and four beach lifeguard supervisors to cover the school summer holiday period, running from Saturday, 18 July to Tuesday, 1 September. Within the job listing, Councillor Karen Oliver, chair of the Council's Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, stated: "Our beach lifeguards play a vital role, so we are looking for high quality candidates who are fit, strong swimmers, good team workers, reliable, calm under pressure, with good communications skills. If this is you, we'd love to hear from you."
Public Outcry Over Safety
One signatory of the petition shared a harrowing account: "My daughter tried to help her friend who was in trouble in the sea at Seaton Carew a few weeks ago, and ended up in hospital herself. That is eight people now that I'm aware of in the past three weeks and sadly two men have now died. Please stop more people dying, the sea is not safe at Seaton Carew!" A further concerned resident added: "Our sea is renowned for rip tides and is extremely dangerous I cannot believe this year alone with the hot weather our beaches especially seaton carew have been packed. I've never seen so many people on the beach and not one lifeguard or flag to be seen."
