RNLI lifeguards will return to Seaton beach in South East Cornwall tomorrow (May 19), providing safety cover for locals and visitors to the area over the summer season.

The RNLI’s James Millidge said: ‘We’re really pleased that after a successful trial last summer, RNLI lifeguards will be returning to provide an essential lifeguard service on Seaton, from this weekend.

‘The service is really important for the local and wider South East Cornwall community who will now have access to safety cover on one of the few easily accessible beaches in the area. We’re looking forward to another busy summer at Seaton.’

The lifeguards are on hand to respond to anyone in difficulty in the water and provide major and minor first aid.

A large proportion of their work is to provide important safety advice to beach-goers to prevent people getting into trouble in the first place.

James said: ‘Those heading to any of the region’s beaches this weekend are being urged to take heed of the safety advice, go to a lifeguarded beach and please swim and bodyboard in the supervised area marked out by the red and yellow flags.

‘Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice.

‘If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering the sea temperature is still very cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit and bring warm clothes to change into.’

Visitors to Seaton will have seen the new lifeguard facility; the elevated unit provides greater vision of the beach and people in the water for the lifeguards.

It will also mean beach-goers can more clearly see where the lifeguards are situated and will know where to seek help with minor injuries or missing children.

James said: ‘‘A further benefit for the unit being raised is that it will be protected against storm damage. Even during the summer months there is the potential during a spring high tide for large tidal surges, that for a ground level unit, pose the risk of flooding.’

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit rnli.org