Porthgwidden Beach Safer Than Ever Thanks to New Safety Buoys

Earlier this year, St Ives Town Council successfully advocated for the reinstallation of safety buoys at Porthgwidden Beach, a popular family destination. The buoys had been out of use for some time, but their return has made a noticeable difference for those enjoying the water, including swimmers, paddle boarders, and kayakers.

Positive Impact on Beachgoers’ Safety

The reintroduction of the buoys was a collaborative effort, with support from several local organisations including Porthgwidden Beach Café, NCI St Ives, the St Ives Harbour Master, St Ives BID, and Cornwall Council. The new measures have already made the beach safer for water activities, particularly for those who frequent the beach’s shallow waters.

Averting Danger

Trevor Peake, Station Manager at NCI St Ives, highlighted the urgent need for the buoys. He mentioned that prior to their return, there were six incidents in August alone where swimmers, kayakers, and paddle boarders were caught in the outgoing ebb tide and swept around the Island. The buoys have since prevented many of these potentially dangerous situations, making Porthgwidden a safer place for all.

Porthgwidden Beach has long been a favourite spot in St Ives, and with these renewed safety measures, visitors can enjoy the sea with greater peace of mind.