Bridlington Calls for Volunteers to Establish Area’s First Flood Wardens

With the increasing risk of extreme weather and localised flooding, local representatives are appealing to residents to step forward to help set up and establish a team of Flood Wardens under the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s (ERYC) scheme.

​Because Bridlington does not currently have active Flood Wardens in place, local Councillors and the Lib Dem team are backing a recruitment drive to build a local network from the ground up to ensure the town is prepared for future severe weather.

​Once established, these volunteer wardens will serve as the community’s "eyes and ears" during flooding events. They will monitor local water levels, report potential hazards, and pass real-time updates directly to local authorities and emergency planners. Beyond active weather events, wardens will also raise awareness about flood risks, helping neighbors better prepare their homes and businesses.

​"The Flood Wardens will provide an invaluable service to Bridlington once up and running. Nobody knows our streets and neighborhoods better than the people who live here, and having local eyes on the ground will help emergency teams respond far more effectively. It’s about building community resilience from the ground up, looking out for one another, and ensuring our town is as prepared when the winter storms hit the coastline or flash flooding closes roads. 

"Cllr Rick Arrand (ERYC - Bridlington South)

​Safety First and Flexible Commitments

​East Riding of Yorkshire Council emphasis that the role will be completely flexible and operates on a best-endeavours basis, meaning volunteers will never be expected to be on call 24/7 or compromise their daily schedules.

​Safety remains the highest priority. Wardens will be strictly advised not to enter floodwaters, handle heavy machinery, operate physical flood defenses, or put themselves in dangerous situations.

🟡​No Prior Experience Needed: Full guidance, safety training, and ongoing support will be provided to all recruits.

🟡​Equipment Provided: Volunteers will receive essential equipment free of charge from the council, including a high-visibility vest, wellington boots, and a notebook for reporting.

🟡​Zero Cost: Joining the scheme is entirely free.

​How to Get Involved

​Residents interested in volunteering to help establish Bridlington's flood resilience network are encouraged to reach out to the ERYC Emergency Planning team for more information.

​To register interest or ask questions about joining the new scheme, contact the team directly at emergency.planning@eastriding.gov.uk

​Liberal Democrat Flood Resilience Policy

​The push by Cllr Arrand and local party members to recruit Bridlington's first Flood Wardens aligns with the Liberal Democrats’ broader commitment to community-led climate adaptation and robust flood defences.

​At both local and national levels, Liberal Democrat policy focuses on practical, long-term solutions to protect coastal and rural areas:

🔸​Long-Term Infrastructure Funding: Securing dedicated capital funding for local councils and the Environment Agency to maintain and upgrade critical coastal and inland flood defences.

​🔸Nature-Based Solutions: Expanding investments in natural flood management—such as wetland restoration, tree planting, and upstream water retention—to complement traditional hard defences.

​🔸Stronger Planning Protections: Mandating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new housing developments and giving local councils powers to prevent unsuitable construction on floodplains.

​By actively supporting the establishment of grassroots initiatives like ERYC's Flood Warden Scheme alongside pushing for strategic policy reforms, the Liberal Democrats are working to ensure coastal communities like Bridlington are well-prepared before severe weather strikes.