Falmouth Harbour Introduces New Beach Safety Zone at Gyllyngvase Beach

Falmouth Harbour – photo Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth Harbour is excited to announce the potential implementation of a new Beach Safety Zone at Gyllyngvase Beach. This initiative aims to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents involving vessels and people near the beach by creating a dedicated area for water users.

Falmouth Harbour is about to start community consultation for The Beach Safety Zone that will restrict vessels from entering an area at Gyllyngvase Beach to establish a safe area for water users, including swimmers, kayakers, stand up paddleboarders, rowing boats, and dinghies. The zone will be marked by floating buoys and supported with appropriate signage to ensure vessels are aware of the zone. The primary purpose of the Beach Safety Zone is to enhance safety by separating water users.

Ifor Pedley, Harbour Master, said “Our primary goal is to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the beautiful waters of Gyllyngvase Beach. The new Beach Safety Zone will significantly reduce the risk of collisions and other accidents, providing a safer environment for swimmers, kayakers, and other non-motorized watercraft users.”

David Owens, Harbour Users Group (HUG) Chair said “This initiative reflects our commitment to modernising the way Falmouth Harbour is used and making it safer for all water users. We have worked closely with local groups and activity representatives to develop this new approach to water safety and environmental management.”

Dave Nicholl from the RNLI said “As a representative of the local community, I am thrilled to see Falmouth Harbour taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of our beachgoers. The Beach Safety Zone is a welcome addition that will help protect our residents and visitors while preserving the natural beauty of Gyllyngvase Beach.”

The Beach Safety Zone will be clearly marked with floating buoys and supported with appropriate signage to ensure vessels are aware of the zone. The initiative is part of Falmouth Harbour’s ongoing efforts to balance the needs of diverse stakeholders, including swimmers, vessel users, fishers, and the local community.

Falmouth Harbour has engaged with a range of stakeholders during the planning process, including local councils, beach user groups, vessel operators, and the fishing community. The initiative is also being consulted with and coordinated through the Falmouth Harbour Harbour Users Group (HUG). Initial feedback was collected through meetings, workshops, and discussions to ensure all viewpoints were considered.

A community consultation event is planned for Thursday 13th March 14:00 to 19:00 at Gylly Beach Cafe, on Gyllyngvase Beach, Cliff Road, Falmouth, TR11 4PA. Details of feedback options are available on the Falmouth Harbour website and through local announcements. Feedback will be reviewed and used to refine the proposal where necessary. The consultation period will last for 28 days, beginning Monday 24th February 2025 at 09:00 and closing 17:00 Monday 24th March 2025.

The consultation is designed to allow sufficient time for all stakeholders to review the proposals and share their views and is part of ongoing consultation to inform and gather input from the wider public.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the changes are planned to be implemented in April 2025, in time for the Easter break. The timeline will also allow for any adjustments based on consultation feedback.

Written responses can be submitted via email to the Harbour Master hm@falmouthharbour.co.uk, or by post to the address below,

All emails and letters by post should be clearly marked as “Consultation on Proposed Harbour Direction”

The Harbour Master
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners
44 Arwenack St
Falmouth
TR11 3JQ

Consultation Close: All responses to the Order must be received by 17:00 24th March 2025.