Ryde Councillor’s Water Safety Campaign Moves Forward

A Ryde councillor who says he is “lucky to be alive” after nearly drowning has seen his campaign for better water safety and quality information move forward.

Ryde Town Council has referred Cllr Michael Lilley’s motion on safe access to blue spaces to its planning and environment committee.

The motion focuses on improving year-round information about water safety and quality, including promoting trusted sources such as the Environment Agency’s Swimfo service and Surfers Against Sewage’s Safer Seas and Rivers Service.

Cllr Lilley was taken to hospital for five days after an incident off Appley Beach on August 10, when he nearly drowned and is believed to have developed an infection after swallowing seawater.

Councillors also backed exploring ways to include water safety and water quality messages in existing council communications and community activities.

Cllr Chani Courtney said Cllr Lilley’s experience could help raise awareness of the dangers associated with the sea.

Cllr Jen Hughes spoke about a friend who drowned in Bembridge, while Cllr Pippa Hayward highlighted the importance of helping children understand water quality.

The proposals also include working with schools, youth organisations and community groups to expand opportunities for water safety education.

Cllr Lilley was not at Tuesday evening’s meeting and had sent his apologies.