Posted By Rachael Palmer
I would welcome any suggestions on how we can

(a)prevent people swimming in our local harbours
(b) prevent youngsters jumping from the pier-head into the harbour entrance
(c) stop the kids from verbally abusing our staff when they point out the risks they are taking not only with their lives but with those of the people who come out to rescue them when they get into difficulties

We're already improving signage, considering the introduction of additional railings, removing or altering bollards so they can't be used as diving platforms, and will be talking to local schools about water safety. Bye-laws are also being considered but are not necessarily the quickest way of dealing with the issues and could have significant cost implications.

Posted By Raymond Rapp
Rachel

I sympathise with your dilemma, but the problems you have highlighted are more of a 'social' problem as opposed to a 'el and safety one. I think you have already identified some good practical controls, but ultimately if someone is determined to take a risk there is little you can do to prevent them.

I suggest you read a transcript of Tomlinson v Congleton BC [2004] 1 AC 46, to familiarise yourself with similar issues and legal concepts.

Regards

Ray

Posted By Lilian McCartney
Hi Rachael,

Where I live (and used to work) we have many miles of coast line and harbours and only had the intention of preventing accdeintal falls into the sea.

One of the popular site for jumping in was fenced/gated off to avoid younger kids trying to emulate the older ones (it also was beside a ruined castle which had falling rocks so acted as a dual control).

Local schools are usually quite good in helping highlight these things but in my experience it was the older ones who weren't going to listen anyway or were no longer at school who carried out this activity.

As in a previous post it is social and you seem to be doing all you can. As the pastor to Everton FC said this morning it's time that something was done to make parents take responsibility for the actions of their kids. It's a great shame that a young lad causing no trouble is the one who was shot.
Rant over

Lilian

Posted By David Bannister
Hi Rachael, inform and educate (adult and children) is likely to be the most effective way.

Water is dangerous, tidal water is very dangerous, harbour water is often dirty, smelly and a health hazard... But we are an island and any attempt to fence our coastline is futile - the sea and weather are much stronger than our creations. I also believe that it is wrong to prevent access to the sea.

Put up signs, provide lifebelts, provide lifeguards at tourist beaches but accept that bodies may also need to be recovered from time to time. Tragic loss but humans have the ability to make choices. With education the choices may be informed choices. A bit like road safety really although we kill very many more on our roads than in the sea.

Should we fence all our roads? Answers to follow!

Posted By Descarte
I think a few remote controlled submarines with shark fins on top would do the trick!