The Weymouth Bluetits swimming club is renewing its protest against the removal of two historic pontoons, citing what they describe as overzealous health and safety regulations.

Pontoon Removal Sparks Outcry

The council’s decision to remove the rafts, despite no recorded incidents in over eight decades, has been met with strong opposition from the local community. The Bluetits argue the removal reflects a broader trend of excessive bureaucracy and petty enforcement by local authorities across the United Kingdom.

History of the Pontoons

The floating rafts have been a fixture off the Dorset coast since 1939, providing a popular spot for swimmers. Despite their long-standing presence, the Liberal Democrat-led council remains firm in its decision.

Council Cites Safety Concerns

The council maintains that the pontoons pose a ‘significant risk to the public,’ according to warnings from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Officials state the structures lie outside the primary response area of lifeguards, making guaranteed swimmer safety impossible.

Legal Ramifications

Legal advisors have cautioned the council could face criminal charges under Health and Safety at Work Regulations, even without an incident occurring. The council spokesperson characterized the pontoons as “an artificial offshore attraction” and argued their historical presence is irrelevant under current safety standards.

Broader Trend of Overregulation

Last year, the Bluetits staged a waterborne protest, but the council has not reversed its decision, despite a petition garnering 3,000 signatures. Christine James, a club member, questioned why the council couldn’t simply implement warning signs stating, ‘Use the rafts at your own risk.’

Insurance and Liability

However, the council’s insurers have refused coverage for potential claims under £30 million, fearing lawsuits from firms aggressively advertising legal services. This situation exemplifies a growing trend where councils prioritize risk aversion over common sense.

Examples of Increased Restrictions

Weymouth has also banned pedalos for hire due to similar liability concerns. Elsewhere, ‘wild swimming’ has been prohibited in North Lincolnshire, and activities like picking stones and foraging for blackberries have been criminalized in other areas of the UK.

PSPOs and Revenue Generation

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are increasingly being used to penalize harmless activities, with examples including fines for spitting out a leaf and pouring coffee down a drain. Critics argue councils are prioritizing revenue generation over public welfare, targeting law-abiding citizens with fines for minor infractions.