Lifeguard patrols return to beaches

The RNLI lifeguard service is returning to beaches in East Yorkshire over the bank holiday weekend.

Guards will initially patrol Belvedere and Bridlington north and south beaches between 10:00 and 18:00 BST over the first three weekends in May, then the service will become daily until 6 September.

From 4 July, the patrol service will also cover beaches at Withernsea and Hornsea.

Connie Oliver, lifeguard at Bridlington RNLI said they were there to provide safety advice and first aid but also to "prevent things from going wrong at the beach".

This year the RNLI lifeguarding service is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Local authorities part fund the RNLI's costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

Councillor Lyn Healing, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council said they provided a vital service to residents and visitors "offering safety, reassurance, advice and first aid, as well as crucial help in the event of emergencies if they are needed".

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Andrew Jamieson said: 'We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags."

Oliver added they were there to provide local information and safety advice.

"Obviously the main thing is to prevent things from going wrong at the beach," she said.

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