Torridge launches ‘Wind, Waves and Water’ accreditation scheme

Torridge District Council has launched the Wind, Waves and Water scheme for the 2024 summer season to endorse surf schools and other beach activity providers that follow good practice at Westward Ho!

The voluntary scheme enables organisations utilising the beach for their business to provide the council with details of how they operate, disclosing information such as risk assessments and health and safety checks.

The council only endorses the following registered organisations as suitable, safe operators and recommends that these be used in preference to those that have not registered.

This year’s registered operators are:

• North Devon Surf School
• Skern Lodge
• Beam House – PGL Schools & Groups
• Westward Waves Surf School
• Kingsley School Surf Academy

With up-to-date information available at www.torridge.gov.uk/westwardho

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure, Torridge District Council, said: “Whether you’re swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, sailing or taking part in any other activity on the water, being taught and guided by qualified professionals is vital.

“Not only so you receive the best instruction, but if something goes wrong, you know that you will be in safe hands. The Westward Ho! Wind, Waves and Water scheme, was set up to provide users with peace of mind, knowing that they are accessing safe and reputable instructors.

“We are very lucky to have a wonderful beach such as Westward Ho! on our doorstep, however, the sea’s unpredictable nature makes water safety vital.”

Activity provider’s that are not currently registered can still do so by contacting Torridge District Council via email at northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or calling 01237 49708 to request a form.