A Somerset coastguard officer has expressed deep concern about the future of the vital life-saving service amid controversial national plans to cut pay for Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs).
The Weston-super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team member, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the negative impact of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) decision to end hourly payments for training and emergency call-outs from September.
While CROs are classified as volunteers, they have traditionally received compensation for their time during exercises and incident responses. A recent Court of Appeals ruling clarified that CROs are legally ‘workers’ rather than volunteers, prompting the MCA’s move to remove these payments. Under the new guidelines, CROs would only be able to claim expenses such as fuel and mileage, reverting to a purely voluntary status.
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The local officer emphasized that although CROs are motivated by a desire to help people rather than financial reward, the current payments serve as crucial recognition for the demanding time commitment involved. “This is not about the money itself,” the officer said. “It’s about ensuring we can continue to recruit and retain dedicated individuals committed to protecting our community.”
Recruitment challenges are already significant, and the removal of pay could further threaten the service’s sustainability, the officer warned. The Weston-super-Mare team, consisting of just 14 members, handles approximately 120 incidents annually, covering an extensive stretch of the Somerset coast from Clevedon to Burnham-on-Sea. This area is known for its hazardous waters and the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal variations, which create perilous conditions for visitors and locals alike.
Nationally, many CROs have launched an online campaign opposing the pay cut, arguing the legal ruling and subsequent policy changes were implemented without sufficient consultation. They are urging the government to halt the cuts and engage with the rescue community to find a more workable solution.
The MCA responded by affirming its commitment to a revised volunteer model designed to ensure the future viability of the Coastguard Rescue Service. A spokesperson said, “This decision follows a legal judgment, and the new model protects choice, flexibility, and allows volunteers to serve alongside their primary employment.” The agency pledged ongoing support for CROs throughout the transition, assuring that search and rescue capabilities and safety standards would be maintained at a high level.
As the debate continues, the dedication of Somerset’s coastguard officers remains unwavering, guided by a steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives along one of the country’s most dangerous coastlines.