WITH THIS season’s lifeguard services on beaches in East Dorset having come to an end, the RNLI is urging people visiting the coast to take extra care in the coming months.

Despite the coronavirus situation and the challenges posed by lockdown restrictions earlier in the year, the RNLI has worked alongside BCP Council to provide a lifeguard service on twelve beaches in East Dorset this summer.

The south coast’s beaches saw “an unprecedented number” of visitors over the summer as people chose to stay at home and holiday in the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While most lifeguard services ended after the school holidays, lifeguards remained on the beaches at Boscombe East, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West and Sandbanks until Sunday, September 27.

East Dorset RNLI lifeguard supervisor Kester Sheppard advised visitors to put safety first when visiting the coast over the next few months.

“With many people staying in the UK this autumn we know it’s likely there will be more people visiting the coast this year than usual, particularly on warmer days, " she said.

“We would urge anyone heading to a beach to do some research before their visit into the local conditions, check the tide timetables and weather and take a means of communications with them.

“Take note of the safety signage at the entrance, go with a friend or tell someone on the shore where you’re going, and always be aware of the conditions and your own capabilities in the water.”

Large crowds presented big challenges for lifeguards, who also embraced new safety precautions to keep themselves and the public protected from the Covid-19 virus.

Nevertheless the lifeguards were able to respond to numerous incidents in the water, provided casualty care for minor and major medical incidents, helped find lost children and provide vital safety advice and guidance which prevented more incidents occurring.

In one of many notable incidents during the season, RNLI lifeguards at Sandbanks rescued a swimmer caught struggling to stay afloat while caught in a rip current and saved a second man who was clinging to a groyne for safety.

Councillor Vicki Slade, then-portfolio holder for tourism, said: “This summer has been very challenging for everyone who works on the seafront.

"We received an unprecedented number of visitors to our beaches which made working at the beach – with the added safety procedures that were in place – very difficult.

“The RNLI lifeguards really rose to the challenge in keeping everyone safe and I’d like to thank them for their hard work during these unusual times.

“Now that the lifeguard season has ended, we’d like to remind people to stay safe on our beaches and in the water, and follow the RNLI’s safety advice.”