BCP councillors urged to back RNLI and condemn harassment towards volunteers
There are calls for BCP Council to publicly support the RNLI after volunteers were subjected to physical and verbal abuse [last month].
BCP councillors are being asked to confirm their support for the RNLI and condemn harassment of volunteers.
A proposal being put forward to full council by Councillor Simon Bull states “BCP Council has, arguably, the best beaches along the South coast. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the sea and the opportunities it offers.
“We are lucky to have organisations that look out for anyone who is in the water in case of the need to be rescued.”
The motion is seeking the council acknowledges the dedication of the RNLI across the UK and the indispensable role volunteers play in safeguarding coastal communities.
The motion also asks the council to note that the RNLI operates in accordance with international maritime law and the humanitarian duty to save lives at sea without judgment, distinction or political bias.
If approved the council would recognise the impact of having lifeguard stations along beaches keeping locals and holidaymakers safe and launching whenever they are aware of the need.
The council would also recognise that those volunteering for the RNLI should be able to carry out their roles without fear of abuse or physical harm and should be able to continue saving lives at sea without the need to make any judgement about those being rescued other than their immediate need to be rescued.
The council would condemn reports of RNLI volunteers being harassed and vilified and would consider the targeting of emergency service workers and volunteers carrying out life-saving duties undermines basic human decency and degrades public discourse.
Last month, the charity said its volunteers had been targeted by anti-migrant protesters after two lifeboats were involved in an operation in the English Channel.
Protests took place in Poole in the area of Lake Drive in Poole and moved to West Quay Road.
A planning application has also been submitted to improve the security at the Lifeboat Support Centre following a number of security breaches at the building’s main entrance involving unauthorised people gaining access to the facility by closely following staff through swipe-card controlled doors.
The proposal is also asking the Council’s Chief Executive to write to the RNLI to confirm support and write to Dorset Police to request the full force of the law is used when dealing with anyone who intimidates or attacks those associated with the RNLI.
The proposal will be discussed at a meeting on October 13.