RNLI offers to fill rescuers gap

RNLI lifeguards could take the place of a coastguard boat

The RNLI has offered to put lifeguards at a Devon coastal village which has been left without cover by a coastguard rescue boat.

Hope Cove's coastguard-operated lifeboat, which has saved 21 people since 2000, was taken out of service in 2008 amid safety concerns.

The RNLI has now offered to step in if it gets the support of local people.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the offer would be considered as part of its consultation.

The coastguards' inflatable boat at Hope Cove was impounded in August 2008.

It followed a launch to save a young girl who was being swept out to sea, despite the boat being suspended for health and safety reasons.

After a protest by local people it was reinstated, but restricted to an area 1,640ft (500m) offshore, and later impounded again.

The RNLI said in a statement: "While we appreciate the emotion and the complex issues involved in this dispute, the RNLI is focussed on one task - that of saving lives at sea.

The Hope Cove boat launched despite being suspended on safety grounds

"To this end we firmly believe that the Hope Cove issue is one of beach safety in the summer season.

"We are more than willing to engage with the local authorities and landowners to implement an RNLI lifeguard solution to be in place at Hope Cove this summer.

"This will provide an appropriate, assured level of safety and an excellent public amenity for a popular tourist destination."

The MCA says that its priority is the safety of its crew members and that since the RNLI introduced its boat in Salcombe in 2003, the need for the Hope Cove vessel in a support role has diminished.

The MCA also says that an RNLI boat at nearby Bantham can get to Hope Cove in six minutes.

The MCA said the RNLI's offer "would be taken into consideration when we consult on search and rescue services in the area".