The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Penwith District Council are today announcing plans for Bilbo, a privately owned Newfoundland dog used to promote beach safety in west Cornwall. Along with his owner, RNLI lifeguard supervisor Steve Jamieson, Bilbo will spend this summer highlighting safety messages and responsible dog ownership in schools, and at dog friendly beaches.Bilbo will also make guest appearances on Sennen beach twice a week now that agreements have been reached between the beach owners, the RNLI and Penwith District Council.

Bilbo’s owner and RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Steve Jamieson says:

‘I’m delighted that Bilbo and I will be able to promote the beach and sea safety messages, which aim to change people’s attitudes and behaviour through education. Bilbo loves visiting schools to help promote beach safety advice, such as the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, and he will enjoy twice weekly visits to Sennen beach to meet the public.*

‘If anyone does get into trouble on Sennen beach, they can rest assured that the team of highly trained RNLI lifeguards will be on hand to help, and they work with the local RNLI lifeboat crews at Sennen Cove to provide a seamless beach-to-sea rescue service. There is a full complement of RNLI lifeguards stationed at Sennen beach between May and September, and of course the volunteer crews are on call year-round.’

Arthur Roberts, Head of Operational and Technical Services and Deputy Chief Executive of Penwith District Council says:

‘We are happy to unveil a project for Bilbo that will benefit everyone, including people who visit Penwith each year.

‘Bilbo’s dual role, promoting beach safety and responsible dog ownership, will support the aims of both the RNLI and Penwith District Council. In particular for the council, Steve and Bilbo will be able to encourage responsible ownership of dogs, and that will protect the wishes of the members of the public who choose to visit dog friendly beaches.’
Ends

*Bilbo and his owner Steve Jamieson will be on Sennen beach on Sundays and Thursdays between the hours of 14:00 and 16:00 to meet the public and discuss sea and beach safety messages

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