Ryde lifeguards go electric, thanks to Wightlink
29th August 2024
An Isle of Wight charity, which runs Ryde’s community pool and promotes safety along the coast, has now taken delivery of an electric-powered beach buggy, following a grant from Wightlink.
The ferry company awarded £7,500 to Waterside Community Trust from its Green Innovation Fund towards the cost of the electric all-terrain vehicle (e-ATV). It was delivered to Wightlink’s Lymington port and driven on and off the ferry to Yarmouth by Trust General Manager Todd Miller.
“Our new buggy will transform our operations,” says Todd. “Our lifeguards will use it to tow our beach wheelchairs, an inshore rescue boat and other equipment, perform patrols and much more in both Ryde and Sandown, while helping us to reduce our carbon emissions and look after the amazing Island we live on.”
As well as running Waterside Pool on Ryde seafront, the Trust operates a summer beach lifeguard service and a pioneering drowning-prevention programme. The e-ATV will be used every day in summer to respond to emergencies and transport equipment between the beaches in Ryde and Sandown. Replacing a petrol vehicle, it will reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution on the beaches. The Trust is also fitting PV solar panels to its pool and hall along with an efficient heat exchange unit to cut fuel bills.
“We are delighted our grant will assist the Waterside Community Trust to help everyone to stay safe and enjoy spending time on the water,” says Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney. “We were impressed by Todd’s application and the Trust’s commitment to the environment.”
Wightlink’s Green Innovation Fund has also awarded £2,500 to sustainable transport provider Keert towards buying a new e-cargo bike to make deliveries in the West Wight.
Picture caption: Todd Miller and the Waterside Community Trust’s new e-ATV at Wightlink’s Yarmouth port
For more information about Wightlink, contact:
Duty Media Officer
[email protected]
07870 906 189