Four members of staff from North Tyneside Council have swapped the indoors for the outdoors this summer.
Normally you can find Mandy Black, Stephen Black, Tristan Hall and Robbie Potter helping to keep residents fit and active in the council’s leisure facilities.
But as the service is largely suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, the four have joined other members of staff from across the council in volunteering to be redeployed elsewhere.
And now, Mandy, Stephen, Tristan and Robbie will be helping to keep North Tyneside’s coastline spick and span over the coming months as beach wardens – with others set to join them in the coming weeks.
Recruitment to the temporary beach warden positions had to be put on hold because of the pandemic, so instead, as part of the council’s approach to keeping frontline services running, several redeployed members of staff will be standing in.
Welcoming the return of the service, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE said: “Ever since I introduced the service six years ago, we have had brilliant feedback from the public, which is why I’m delighted we’re able to bring it back this year.
“Like so many residents, I am immensely proud of our award-winning coastline and despite the ongoing pandemic, I am committed to keeping it as beautiful and safe as possible. We also installed extra bins along the coastline last week, but I must also ask the public to please take their rubbish home and don’t leave it if the bins are full.
“I am extremely proud of all our staff who have adapted so well in these exceptional circumstances to ensure we can continue to provide frontline and essential services.”
Cllr Carole Burdis, cabinet member for Community Safety and Engagement added: “In response to recent problems along the coast, which included low level anti-social behaviour and littering, we are looking to expand the service further and redeploy more staff to the service. This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we continue to work very closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the issues and provide reassurance to the local community.”
The service has already started, and the wardens are involved in clearing away litter; emptying bins and keeping promenades, access stairs and ramps clean.
They’ll also work alongside the council’s year-round Community Protection team and Northumbria Police to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour and to help enforce beach byelaws – which includes a dog ban on King Edward’s Bay, Longsands (south), Cullercoats Bay and Whitley Bay (south) during the summer months.
Tristan couldn’t wait to get started, he said: “I’m most looking forward to working outdoors, engaging with the public while being surrounded by the amazing scenery of our coastline.”
While Stephen added: “It’s a good opportunity to get outdoors and help in a different way to what I am used to. I am looking forward to a new challenge and learning some new skills. The fresh air after so long in lockdown is nice too.”
The beach code of conduct also includes taking litter home or using bins provided, not taking glass on the beach, no fires on the beach, etc. More information can be found here.
Those using motorised leisure crafts, such as jet skis, are also reminded that they need a permit to use the launch in Cullercoats Bay – the only location in the borough apart from private launch sites on the River Tyne.
When applying for a permit, users agree to a set of strict regulations and byelaws, including staying in designated zones, sticking to a speed limit and having compulsory insurance.
Details of the launch regulations, charges, how to apply for a permit and reporting improper use can be found at www.cullercoatsbaylaunch.co.uk.