Bournemouth beach deaths: Rescue practices now changed, inquest told

The inquest also heard evidence from Anthony Rogers, head of seafront services at BCP Council.

When asked about safety for swimmers and beach users, Mr Rogers said the council had followed the RNLI’s risk assessments and recommendations when it was formed in 2019 following the merger of three local authorities.

He said the council had “reviewed and heightened” its messaging to the public over water safety following the May 2023 incident.

He told the inquest that although there were 8-9ft tall RNLI information signs on the area’s beaches, there was no reference on them to potentially strong currents.

He said new signs would all be in place along the 15-mile stretch of beach the council is responsible for by November.

He said a review of public rescue equipment (PRE) was completed in spring 2024, while trauma kits and grab bags had also been made available for council staff to help deal with a major incident.

Mr Rogers told the inquest the response to the incident had been “robust”.

“We’ve reviewed every operation, system and partnership that has a bearing on water safety,” he told the hearing.

He said the council’s financial contribution to the RNLI lifeguard service had been increased by 20% for 2023/24 despite what he described as “significant financial pressure”.

The inquest continues.