Lifeguards return to beaches for summer season

RNLI lifeguards will patrol beaches in Somerset until 1 September

Lifeguards have returned to beaches in Somerset for the summer season.

The RNLI team will continue with daily patrols at Burnham-on-Sea and Brean until 1 September.

The lifeguards have spent the last month training in essential skills such as lifesaving, in and out of the water, casualty care and watercraft operations.

"They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best," said Matthew Whitley, Regional Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon and North Somerset.

The RNLI recommends people should swim at patrolled beaches

"It is our strong advice that people head to a life-guarded beach, follow the advice of the lifeguards and pay attention to the flags or safety signage.

"The beaches of Burnham-On-Sea and Brean have extremely large tidal ranges that expose large mud flats and sinking sand, attempting to reach the water at certain times of the day can be very dangerous and lifeguards regularly patrol providing safety advice," added Mr Whitley.

The RNLI works in partnership with Somerset Council and private beach owners to provide the service.

As well as recruiting and training lifeguards, the organisation arranges logistics to deliver equipment and in some cases, lifeguard units, to each beach.

Earlier this year the council had considered ending the lifeguard contract with the RNLI to save £35,000 per year but the proposal was dropped after opposition from local residents.