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Wight Building Materials Steps In To Support Ryde's Beach Lifeguards

(L-R: Jemma Brown (Sales Manager at Wight Building Materials), Abi Allen and Erin Lovely (Ryde Beach Lifeguards)

Wight Building Materials has stepped in to support Ryde's beach lifeguards.

When the company learned about the lifeguard's need for a new storage facility - to help their service to grow and improve - it stepped in to support them.

Because of a lack of funds, the Blackwater based firm provided ready-mix concrete and stone for the base of the new facility.

 Concrete base donated by Wight Building Materials for a new storage facility

Last year, the lifeguards experienced one of their busiest summers to date with around 36,000 recorded visitors to Ryde beach - with August particularly busy.

Lifeguards assisted more than 115 people – from rescue to casualty care, to searches for missing persons. They performed more than 147 preventative actions which undoubtedly saved lives.

Todd Miller, general manager at the Waterside Community Trust, said:

“Our team of beach lifeguards are ready for another busy summer, especially due to the popularity of staycations this year. We operate a beach lifeguard service on Ryde Beach during the May half term, then from 1 July until the end of August. Our team assists with everything from swimmers getting into difficulty lost children to people who sustain injuries while at the beach.

“We receive great support from the community and local businesses, who assist us both financially and with materials and equipment. We are very grateful for their help.”

(L-R: Jemma Brown (Sales Manager at Wight Building Materials), Erin Lovely and Abi Allen (Ryde Beach Lifeguards)

Operated by the Waterside Community Trust, with support from Ryde Town Council, the lifeguards are based near the Waterside Pool.Steve Burton, general manager at Wight Building Materials, said:

“When we learned that Ryde Beach Lifeguards were short of funds to complete their new building project, we were delighted to provide ready-mix concrete and stone for the base of their new storage facility. We know how hard the pandemic has hit charities and community groups so are pleased to play a small part in helping the lifeguards continue their important work to keep visitors to Ryde’s busy beach safe this summer.”

As part of Ryde Beach Lifeguards’ service, the team delivers water safety talks to local schools along with training for children and young people.

They offer a series of courses ranging from a Rookie Programme for 8 to 12 years and the Survive and Save programme for 12 years and over.

Email rydebeachlifeguards@gmail.com to find out more or visit www.watersidepool.co.uk.

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