Lifeguards back on beaches for bank holiday weekend

Andrew BartonYorkshire
News imageRNLI/Victoria Tooley Blast! Films The image shows a man standing on a raised seaside viewing platform, looking out over a wide sandy beach and the sea. He is wearing a bright red jacket and red shorts with black and yellow detailing. The letters RNLI are visible on the sleeve of the jacket, along with Lifeguard text on the shorts.RNLI/Victoria Tooley Blast! Films
Lifeguards will monitor six designated beaches over the first three weekends of May, before expanding to daily patrols

Lifeguards will return to beaches across North Yorkshire from the bank holiday weekend, providing a "reassuring presence", the RNLI has said.

Guards will attend between 10:00 and 18:00 BST on six designated beaches across the county during the first three weekends in May, before expanding to daily patrols throughout the summer season, lasting until 6 September.

Beaches covered include Cayton Bay, Filey, Sandsend, Scarborough North Bay, Scarborough South Bay and Whitby, with Runswick Bay added to the patrol rota from 11 July.

The RNLI said lifeguards had recently completed essential training and were looking forward to returning to full-time duties.

Andrew Jamieson, lead supervisor, said people should choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI's lifeguarding service, and we are delighted to be patrolling several beaches in North Yorkshire while celebrating this milestone," he said.

North Yorkshire Council leader Carl Les said visitors were urged to follow safety signage and "follow any advice or warning information provided by RNLI lifeguards".

"It's very important not to attempt a rescue yourself, as the situation can quickly become more dangerous and put you at risk as well," he added.

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