ULVERSTON Inshore Rescue’s lifeboat is still out of action ahead of what coastguards believe will be the busiest weekend of the year with more people holidaying in the UK than usual.

Over an average August Bank Holiday in north of England, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat crews launch 36 times and rescue at least that many people, but the Ulverston station is still unmanned with two crews claiming they are in control.

Bruce Chattaway, from the ‘original’ committee, said: “There is a lot of worry about lives being put at risk - I have got a fully equipped and trained crew but we still can’t get in to the station because Stephen (Fell) and his crew have changed the locks.

“It has reverted to the rescue system which was in place before we formed eight years ago, and the area is being covered by the RNLI coastguard at Walney, so there is no need for the public to panic.”

Stephen Fell, of the ‘new Ulverston Inshore Rescue’, said: “We are not putting anybody’s lives at risk. We are out there looking out for these people.

“Although we don’t have access to the boat and equipment due to insurance problems, every weekend since the station closed (in June) there are three crew members patrolling the beaches. We have first aid equipment, a radio and a mobile phone, so if we see people in distress we can contact the coastguard.”

Steve Wills, RNLI Beach Safety Manager, said the charity wants to ensure people visiting the coast are aware of the potential hazards and know how to keep themselves safe, both on the beach and at sea.