Porthtowan Surf Life-Saving Club - Legionella

Porthtowan Surf Life Saving Club (Porthtowan SLSC) is based on the north coast of Cornwall. The Club was founded in 1955 and is the third oldest surf club in Britain. Active throughout the year, it operates beach activities throughout the summer months and pool side training in the winter.

The Club currently has more than 100 members. From Nippers as young as seven through to veterans in their seventies. Regardless of their age, all members enjoy a relaxed, family atmosphere. There is plenty of camaraderie to be enjoyed by all. Members are encouraged to take part in fundraising and community activities, along with the occasional competition.

The Club’s main aim is ‘to save life’ - either through prevention or rescue from the sea. Their training and advice in beach activities, actively promotes water safety. Many of the Club’s members go on to become professional lifeguards. Over the years a number of these have been awarded for their bravery.

The Club is affiliated to the Cornish Region and the Surf Life Safe Association of Great Britain. Their surf boat crews were also founding members of the U.K. Surf Rowing League.

Scientific Services assists with the Club’s management of asbestos and Legionella.

Managing Legionella at the headquarters

Legionella risk assessment

Porthtowan SLSC’s on-site services include water systems. To be compliant with U.K. legislation the Club required a Legionella risk assessment.

Our dual trained consultants completed a Legionella risk assessment at their headquarters. We assessed the water system and the water management processes. Our team produced a thorough risk assessment report. This included clear, easily understood recommendations. These focused around record management, training and temperature monitoring. They also included some specific water system improvements.

On-going support

The members and committee of Porthtowan SLSC don’t have the time to manage and put in place the needed changes. Scientific Services will attend site going forward to complete the required monitoring. We will also upload the Legionella monitoring data to the customer portal. This will ensure that the club has access to clear records in the event of a HSE inspection. If agreed, we will arrange and manage any necessary system cleans to promote the safety of its users.

“We are not experts in the management of asbestos and Legionella. Having a knowledgeable, responsive company that could take care of both issues for us has been very beneficial. We only had to arrange one site visit for the surveys to be completed. This freed up my time and minimised disruption, whilst providing a more cost-effective solution.” Adam Richards, Porthtowan Surf Life-Saving Club.