Weymouth Bluetits Fight for Historic Pontoons

Bluetits Renew Protest Over Pontoon Removal

The Weymouth Bluetits swimming club is renewing its protest against the removal of two long-standing pontoons by the local council. The club argues the removal is a result of overregulation and an increasingly strict enforcement culture.

Decades of Use, Recent Removal

The pontoons, a fixture off the Dorset coast since 1939, were dismantled despite having a safety record of over eight decades with no reported accidents or injuries. The Liberal Democrat-led council maintains its decision, citing warnings from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Safety Concerns and Legal Risks

The RNLI has stated the pontoons pose a significant risk to public safety as they fall outside the primary response area of lifeguards. Legal advisors have warned the council could face criminal charges under Health and Safety at Work Regulations, even in the absence of an incident.

Council's Justification

A council officer described the pontoons as an “artificial offshore attraction” and dismissed their historical presence as irrelevant under current regulations. Despite a petition signed by 3,000 residents, the council has refused to reinstate the rafts.

A Wider Trend of Overregulation

The dispute highlights a broader trend of overregulation, where councils prioritize risk avoidance over practical solutions. Christine James, a Bluetits member, questioned why warning signs couldn’t be used, allowing swimmers to use the pontoons at their own risk.

Insurance Concerns

The council’s insurers have refused to provide coverage for less than £30 million, citing fears of opportunistic and vexatious compensation claims. This has contributed to the council’s firm stance.

Criminalization of Everyday Activities

Weymouth has also banned pedalos for hire due to similar litigation fears. Other areas, like North Lincolnshire, have outlawed wild swimming entirely, and some have criminalized activities like beachcombing or foraging.

Examples of Strict Enforcement

Recent examples include an 86-year-old man fined £250 for spitting out a leaf, penalties for dog walkers without poo bags, and a £150 fine for pouring coffee down a drain. These actions demonstrate a growing trend of councils generating revenue through minor infractions.

Roots of the Problem

The issue stems from the late 1990s and early 2000s, when numerous new laws were introduced, many designed to generate fines. The 2014 introduction of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) further empowered local authorities to impose penalties for trivial offenses.