ABOUT
This scheme is all about reducing the level of surf related incedents in the UK. 36% of RNLI lifeguard activity involved surfboards and bodyboards in 2004 (highest single activity). Surf Hire Safety is aimed at the hire sector that is largelyunregulated and offers varying levels of advice and good practice within thier operations.
There are currently 1000's of outlets supplying relatively dangerous goods (in the wrong hands) for hire: from large commercial businesses to one man and his van operations. Surf Hire Safety aims to introduce a voluntary code of practice, which allows people renting surfing equipment to know they are using safe and reliable kit.

WHO'S INVOLVED
The following organisations have teamed up to run this scheme;
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION
The RNLI operates 62 Beach Lifeguard Units throughout the South West of England employing more than 300 lifeguards.
We belive that we can make a significant differance to safety on beaches around the UK by providing
an intergrated rescue service from the beach to the open sea, with common standards, Defined operational areas and effective resourcing.

BRITISH SURFING ASSOCIATION
The British Surfing Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of surfing in Great Britain and the channel Islands.

PILOT PROJECT
A Surf Hire Safety pilot will take place in 2006, assessing the project feasilility in polzeath, Cornwall, UK. The following outlets have kindly aggreed to take part in the trial:

ANN'S COTTAGE SURF SHOP
High Street, Polzeath, Cornwall.
TEL:(01208) 863317
TJ'S SURF SHOP
Polzeath Beach, Polzeath, Cornwall. PL27 6SX TEL:(01208) 863625
GALLEON SURF HIRE
Polzeath Beach, Polzeath, Cornwall. PL27 6TB TEL:(01208) 863625

INFO FOR SURFERS
WHAT DOES APPROVED SURF HIRE SAFETY STATUS MEAN TO THOSE RENTING SURF EQUIPMENT

The Surf Hire Safety Scheme is a joint initiative of the RNLI Beach Lifeguards and the BSA to improve the safety standards of outlets which hire surfing equipment.

The outlet is a member of the Surf Hire Safety Scheme. This Means that it has been agreed:

To only rent equipment suitable to your ability.

To provide safety information to all customers.

To check equipment regularly for damage.

To maintain adequate insurance.

INFO FOR OUTLETS

PROPOSED BENEFITS FOR OUTLETS TAKING PART IN THE SURF HIRE SCHEME

Outlets taking part in the Surf Hire Scheme will benefit from the following:

Reduced insurance rates

Free proffesional advice from key organisations; RNLI, BSA.

Free promotion of Approved outlets and customer benefits through tousist bodies, publications, posters, dedicated websites.

Flag and sticker to promote scheme at outlets.

Free safety resources.

Free hire forms.

CONTACT
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION
West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ
TEL: +44 (0)1202 663553
EMAIL: beachsafety@rnli.org.uk
WEB: www.rnli.org.uk/beachlifeguards

BRITISH SURFING ASSOCIATION
The International Surfing Centre,
Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY
TEL: +44 (0)1637 876474
EMAIL: info@britsurf.co.uk
WEB: www.britsurf.co.uk

Participation in the Scheme does not guarantee that the standards set by the scheme have been complied with, but only that the outlet has agreed to comply with those standards. Whilst an initial check of Surf Hire Safety Scheme approved outlets is carried out, and the outlet must agree to maintain the requested safety standards, the RNLI and BSA cannot ensure that this is the case. If you experiance a problem with any equipment hired from the outlet must take this up with the outlet direct. Whilst the RNLI and the BSA cannot get involved in individual disputed it will help us to maintain the standard of the Surf Hire Safety Scheme if you also notify us of any problems at:
Beach Safety Manager, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole Dorset, BH15 1HZ

RNLI - a charity registred in England no. 209603. Surf Hire Safety name and logo are trade marks of the RNLI