A new initiative has been launched so people know leisure operators using a Gower Beach have the skills and experience to provide safe fun activities delivered to the highest standard.
Swansea Council has joined up with the RNLI and the Welsh Surfing Federation to launch the Caswell Beach Operators Charter.
It aims to ensure safe and sustainable use of one of Gower’s most popular beaches for activities while being mindful of the many thousands of casual beach users who visit each year.
The other founding members are Surfability UK CIC, Progress Surf School, Gower Surf Academy, Mumbles Lifeguard Club and Gower Activity Centres.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, Robert Francis -Davies, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to join together as partnership to launch this charter and I’d like to thank all those involved.
“This charter allows people to know they are using an authorised locally-based operator with the qualifications and experience to deliver safe activities while being mindful of the environment and other beach users.
“Swansea has more than 40 miles of coastline so water safety and sustainability is vitally important.
“This is one of the first initiatives of its kind in Wales and something we hope to extend to some of our other spectacular beaches.”
The charter is designed to be flexible and will be reviewed regularly with operators updated within the confines of the sustainable use of the beach.
All organisations that sign up to the charter must be able to demonstrate that they have the skills and experience to offer licensed beach activities.
They also give a commitment to avoid any damage to the site and leave it in the condition they found it, to minimise any disturbance to wildlife, fellow beach users and the local community and to promote sustainable beach use to all who use their services.
Signs have been put up around the beach promoting the charter and its members.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Surfing Federation said: “We have worked with partner agencies to achieve what is a first for the country and something that we hope will be adopted by other landowners and local authorities to give an industry standard, promoting the safest possible environment for the public who engage in lessons and coaching from surfing and SUP organisations that are affiliated to the WSF.”
