Barry lifeguard service for doubt about unsafe buildings

Volunteer lifeguards fear they will be disbanded because of the unsafe storage location for their equipment.

Barry lifeguard service for doubt about unsafe buildings

Volunteer lifeguards fear they will be disbanded because of the unsafe storage location for their equipment.

In April, the Rhondda Cold Knap Lifeguards Club in Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) declared a storage facility dangerous.

Paul Edwards, a volunteer, told BBC Radio Wales Drive that he was concerned about the club's future. The club was founded in 1962.

Vale of Glamorgan council stated that it was working to provide temporary storage.

After a structural inspection found it unsafe, the team's base, an old concrete-roofed building, was closed.

It was stated that promises made by Vale of Glamorgan council regarding new storage facilities for life-saving equipment and a rescue boat had so far been broken.

The summer is almost over, and the delay has led to a decrease in volunteer lifesavers.

The club's chairman, Mr Edwards, stated that they would be on the beach in July training junior Lifeguards.

He said that the patrol is less capable of protecting the beach, but that it was still "looking out" for people and making sure they were safe, particularly with the increase in paddle-boarding.

Edwards stated that the club went from 70 to 20 volunteers because they didn't have access to any equipment.

He said, "If it continues for too long, we will miss the entire season." "We will have a hard time getting members back."

Edwards stated that a portion of the building has not been used in over two decades and was in poor condition.

He said, "The roof leaks a lot, and some concrete is blown."

In April, a structural engineer visited the club and advised members not to enter the building.

The club claimed that containers were promised as a replacement but they have not come through.

Edwards stated that he received an email from council regarding alternative storage. However, he explained that it would only hold "about a quarter of" the club's equipment.

He said that he had a rescue boat that he couldn't use and added that the club didn't have a place to store it even if it was removed from an unsafe building.

He added, "It's really frustrating."

Vale of Glamorgan council stated: "The council assessed the area, and is working towards providing temporary accommodation and storage to the lifeguards as well as their equipment.

"In the interim, the building continues providing safe and secure storage facilities for the equipment.

"The council recognizes the importance and will continue to support the service throughout the Vale.