Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with Public Health England on allowing the return of lifeguard cover at coastal beaches in England.

Spending time outdoors in natural spaces is important for our physical and mental wellbeing, especially during this challenging period. Our guidance on accessing green spaces safely, published on 1 June, advises how to access outdoor natural spaces safely during these times and was shared with Public Health England before its publication.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency provide guidance on managing beach safety, including undertaking risk assessments. In some circumstances, safety at public beaches, and specifically the provision of lifeguarding services, is the responsibility of the local authority who carry out risk assessments to determine appropriate safety measures.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are supporting the National Water Safety Forum to prepare further guidance on Beach Safety for land owners and local authorities. My department will continue to work across government to support the safe operation of these outdoor spaces our communities rely on.