Peaceful protests to be held at Rockley Park beach

More than 60 people have expressed interest in attending a peaceful protest on Saturday at Rockley Park, where several incidents of swimmers being pulled by rip tides have been reported.

In July, Callum Baker-Osborne and members of his family were caught by currents in the water off Rockley Point beach. The 18-year-old saved the life of his niece, Aurora, before drowning.

• 'His heart was so big': Family of Callum Baker-Osborne pay tribute

The protest has been organised by Pauline Ferrick-Squibb, who rescued her then eight-year-old daughter in 2018 when she was pulled out by a rip tide after paddling in “shin deep water”. She said: “I’ll be there with a banner, warning those on the beach even if I can’t rally people together.

“So many people have voiced their interest to do something and now we are. This protest is to push action from either BCP Council or Rockley Park to make the beach safer or close it down. Also, as a warning to those using the beach.”

Campaigners have criticised the lack of signage detailing a stretch of water susceptible to rip tide currents and have called for the implementation of lifeguard presence or safety netting.

A Rockley Park spokesperson said: "We continue to offer sympathy and condolences to Callum’s family and friends.

“Rockley Point is a public beach and the RNLI has initiated a review. In conjunction with the RNLI, additional temporary signage has been placed around the site in addition to the pre-existing permanent signage warning of rip currents and mud flats in the area.”

• Rockley Park officials assure residents amid beach safety concerns

Ann Marie Osborne told the Daily Echo that her husband Ian would attend the protest on behalf of the family. She said: “I am happy that something is happening. My family will not stop until they do something about Rockley Park and the so-called beach.”

Callum and his mum, Ann Marie Osborne

The mother added that she would not attend the protest, as she was still “broken” by her son’s death, but gives it her “full support”.

The Rockley Point beach is operated by Haven, who own the adjacent holiday park. However, the land is leased from BCP Council.

A council spokesperson said: "“We’ve been made aware of a planned protest at Rockley Park this coming Saturday.

"Rockley Park is leased out to Haven Holidays who manage the park and surrounding area. As with all water safety issues, the council continually discusses these with partners and agree actions based around risk in areas for which it is responsible.”