Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers 'deeply worried' Coastguard changes could put lives at risk

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has warned that planned changes to the way Coastguard Rescue Officers are remunerated could put lives at risk on the Fylde coast, while the Coastguard Agency say the change is ‘not something we wanted to do.’

Expressing her ‘deep worry’ about the potential impact on frontline rescue services in a letter to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) chief executive Virginia McVea, Mrs Beavers raised concerns over the agency's response to a High Court ruling that classified Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) as workers rather than volunteers.

The MCA has announced plans to remove remuneration from CROs from September 2026 in order to maintain their volunteer status. Mrs Beavers warned this could seriously affect recruitment and retention, weakening coastguard services along the Fylde coast and increasing the risk of harm.

The UK’s busiest Coastguard Rescue Teams

Fleetwood Coastguard Station responds to hundreds of incidents each year alongside Lytham Coastguard Station. In 2024, the two teams were officially recognised by the Chief Coastguard as the busiest Coastguard Rescue Teams in the UK.

“Coastguard Rescue Officers' play a vital role in keeping our coastal community safe and it is deeply concerning to hear that volunteers will no longer receive remuneration for their life-saving duties,” said Mrs Beavers.

“In Blackpool North & Fleetwood we know exactly how important our volunteer coastguards are, we see them save lives and go out on hundreds of call outs a year,” she added. “I have written to the Maritime Coastguard Agency sharing my concerns and asking that decisions be paused and discussions continued.

“These volunteers are vital part of our emergency services and we must ensure that they are properly remunerated and supported while they give their time for others.”

Vital service

In her letter, Mrs Beavers said CROs are highly trained in search and rescue, medical care and work closely with the police, fire and ambulance services. She said they are vital to the local community and cannot be lost.

While acknowledging volunteers are not motivated by financial reward, she said many lose income from their main jobs because of call-outs and time spent carrying out coastguard duties. She argued removing payments that help offset those losses risks undermining the service.

Mrs Beavers urged the MCA to develop a sustainable remuneration model, introduce interim measures to prevent volunteers leaving before September 2026, consult fully with the GMB union and CROs, and pause any changes while further discussions take place.

Around 3,500 Coastguard Rescue Officers volunteer across the UK, responding to emergencies including cliff rescues, mud rescues, water incidents and searches for missing people.

‘Not something we wanted to do’

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “After careful consideration, we are moving the Coastguard Rescue Service to a revised volunteer model, to best protect the future of the service.

“This decision follows a legal judgment, which means we need to change how the service operates. This is not something we wanted to do but is a consequence of the Court of Appeal ruling. This new model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to volunteer alongside their primary employment.

“We deeply value and recognise the significant service Coastguard Rescue Officers provide along our coastline, and we will be supporting them during this transition. The Coastguard Rescue Service will continue to maintain a robust, effective search and rescue response, ensuring the highest quality of service and levels of safety."