Statue of lifeguard to be installed on beach

A bronze statue of a lifeguard is set to be installed on a beach to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguard service.

Cornwall Council approved a planning application by the RNLI last week for the commemorative work of art on the rocky foreshore at Porthmeor beach, St Ives.

The bronze sculpture by Zennor-based artist Holly Bendall, entitled Let Not The Deep Swallow Me Up, shows a female RNLI lifeguard standing watch over the sea.

However, the council in St Ives has objected, saying it would be in the wrong town, as the story behind the sculpture took place in a different location.

The work was inspired by the actions of local RNLI lifeguard Sophie Grant-Crookston, who, in 2006, carried out a swim rescue to save a surfer's life and became the first female lifeguard to receive a Medal of Gallantry.

The St Ives Town Council said: "The council fully supports the aims of the RNLI in seeking to mark this important anniversary and also the commission by a local artist.

"Concerns relate specifically to the design process, design and the relationship with the town of St Ives.

"There is little evidence of any meaningful consultation or that a specific design process for this piece in this location has been followed."

Bendall said she was looking forward to seeing the sculpture become "a lasting tribute to the RNLI".

"Although this sculpture is very much inspired by Sophie's heroic swim rescue at Perranporth, with the swim fins and her long legs, it is not an exact representation of Sophie," she said.

"I have made the sculpture to commemorate all lifeguards for the RNLI's 25th anniversary.

"Many other locations were considered to great detail."

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