Sand Safe campaign launches on beaches in Cornwall

Beautiful weather last Wednesday ensured there were plenty of people enjoying Gyllyngvase beach during the launch of Falmouth Town Council and Safer Falmouth’s Sand Safe campaign.

Falmouth Town Council’s Environment, Education and Enforcement Officer, Tessa Marie, was joined on the beach by new Mayor Kirstie Edwards, Councillor Jayne Kirkham (CC) and our partners from Safer Falmouth to get the word out to residents, visitors and students about how we can all do our bit to keep our sand safe by following these three simple rules:

• No open fires on the sand. BBQ’s/Fire Pits are permitted on all Falmouth’s beaches in the designated BBQ zones but must be disposed of in the bins provided.

A fire may sound like fun but burning material directly on the sand can cause serious health issues. Screws in timber, sharp metal grill plates, and embers (which can stay hot for a long time and have been known to cause severe burns) can cause injury to adults, children, and animals. Plastic ‘pebbles’- a combination of melted plastic, shingle, and seaweed- can also enter the food chain with devastating consequences for wildlife. Stick to a BBQ where permitted, and after you’re done cool it down and dispose of any waste properly, in the bins provided.

The magnet in action (Image: Falmouth Fire Station)

During the launch, Community Fire Station had a go at using the magnet rake to pick up nails/staples that have been left from open fires. They were shocked at how many they found in such a short amount of time. 

The Magnet Rake Sand Safe launch (Image: Falmouth Community Fire Station)

Any open fires on Falmouth’s beaches should be reported to 101 in the first instance and then Cornwall Council under their ‘Report it’  pages on their website, under anti-social behaviour.

• Bin and, where possible, recycle litter. Leave only footprints behind.

A day at the beach often involves food and fun, but it’s important to use the bins on the beach or take everything home with you to recycle. Litter, particularly plastic, will go straight into the ocean and will begin harming wildlife right away, entangling animals and entering the food chain. Be mindful of what you bring to the beach, and make sure you take everything home with you afterwards.

• Adhere to the dog-friendly hours and pick up after your dog

We are a nation of dog lovers, but we need to look after our animals responsibly to protect both our beaches and the people who use them. The average dog produces a staggering 20 stone waste annually, and if left on the beaches this damages the environment and poses a health risk, particularly to children. Make sure you pick up after your dog and don’t leave the bags on the beach or on pathways. Falmouth’s Environmental Enforcement Officers can issue on-the-spot fines for both dog fouling and waste left in bags that are not disposed of properly.

During the launch, Tessa Marie and partners from Cornwall Council, Falmouth Community Fire Station, Biffa, Falmouth Coastguard and Rescue Team and Plastic Free Falmouth, spoke to lots of residents, visitors and students about how they can all do their bit to help keep Falmouth’s beaches safer, cleaner and greener for all to enjoy.

Any general safety concerns on Falmouth’s beaches can be reported to Falmouth Town Council’s Environmental, Education and Enforcement Officer by emailing admin@falmouthtowncouncil.com or over the phone on 01326 315559.