Hartlepool Council has said it is ordering a full review of the current water safety arrangements across the borough’s coastline.
Council leader Graham Harrison said: “Given the tragic events of recent days, I have asked for a full review of the current water safety arrangements at Seaton Carew and across the borough’s coastline. That work is now underway and will take place alongside any investigations being carried out by partner agencies.”
He added: “Right now, however, our focus remains on the families and loved ones of those affected, and we stand with them as they face an unimaginable loss.”
Councillor Sue Little, ward councillor for Seaton, has also joined calls to reinstate lifeguards beyond the six-week summer holiday period following the tragedy.
She said: “This incident highlights the increasing number of people using Seaton Beach during periods of warm weather and raises the question of whether seasonal beach lifeguards should be reinstated earlier in the year.”
The tragedy has sparked an online petition by Rebecca Ringwood – a loved one of eight-year-old Jordan Moon, who drowned in August 2003 at the same stretch of beach – to restore lifeguard services beyond the school summer holidays.
In 2001, Hartlepool Borough Council withdrew lifeguards at Seaton Carew in a bid to make savings of £100,000 – and calls were made to reinstate them following the youngster’s death two years later.
Jordan, from Hartlepool, died after a freak eight-foot wave swept him out to sea while he was paddling with a friend near the shore.
The petition can be viewed at change.org/p/restore-lifeguard-services-in-hartlepool-beyond-school-holidays.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.