Council asked to consider free parking for beach lifeguards

TUV councillors are to ask colleagues to consider exempting RNLI lifeguards from car parking charges at council controlled beaches.

Jonathan McAuley says the move would signal “recognition of the valuable contribution made by lifeguards in protecting public safety, preventing drownings, and responding to emergencies”.

The request is contained in a Notice of Motion seconded by fellow TUV member Allister Kyle.

The pair are seeking support for an acknowledgement that lifeguards “often work long hours, seasonal shifts, weekends, and public holidays and may be required to travel to locations where parking charges can represent an additional financial burden”.

The want councillors to back a resolution exploring the introduction of concessionary parking for qualified and on-duty lifeguards working at designated beeches, swimming areas, and other aquatic facilities.

The councillors ask fellow elected members to consider free parking for eligible lifeguards during their scheduled working hours.

They are also seeking engagement with all relevant lifeguard employers and service providers, including the RNLI and other organisations, to establish eligibility criteria and a suitable verification process.

At Council controlled car parks they want an assessment of the financial and operational implications of introducing such a scheme, including the potential impact on council parking revenue, parking availability, and enforcement.

And they are asking for a report outlining “options, anticipated costs, and practical arrangements for implementing a concessionary parking scheme”.

Cllr McAuley said: “I believe this Council supporting lifeguards through reasonable parking concessions would recognise their public service, assist with the recruitment and retention of seasonal staff, and support the continued provision of essential water safety services.