Questions raised after ruling means volunteer Coastguards will no longer be paid for callouts

The move comes at a time when local Coastguard teams along the Lincolnshire coast have already been dealing with a number of incidents as the busy summer season gets underway.

In the past week’s incidents alone, members of Skegness Coastguard Rescue Team issued a public safety warning after discovering a huge hole dug into the beach. The hole was estimated to be between three and four feet across and as much as 12 to 15 feet deep.

The team's warning about the dangers of deep sand holes attracted almost one million views after being shared by the Skegness Standard on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Coastguards in Mablethorpe were recently paged to assist with a missing person search and were also tasked to reports of potential unexploded ordnance which had washed up on the beach south of Trusthorpe Outfall.

Against that backdrop, concern has been expressed to Lincolnshire World by some residents following reports that volunteer Coastguards will no longer receive payments for attending incidents.

Sarah Cunningham said: “I personally think it stinks – they are run by His Majesty and the government. They are an emergency service – unfortunately, the public will suffer.”

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) 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 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."

The decision follows a legal case brought by a former Coastguard Rescue Officer. In May 2024, the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled that Coastguard Rescue Officers were classed as workers when undertaking remunerated duties. The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal earlier this year.

The MCA says volunteers will continue to receive training, equipment, uniforms, personal protective equipment and operational support under the revised arrangements.

What do you think? Do you agree with the decision to move to a fully volunteer model, or should Coastguard Rescue Officers continue to receive payment when responding to emergency incidents? Let us know your views.