Lifeguards will be patrolling Sidmouth beach again this summer. From half term onwards, lifeguards will be at the beach every weekend until the summer holiday, following that, they will be there seven days a week until the beginning of September.

The service is provided by Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat. This year, they have a new purpose-built first aid unit on the beach which features medical supplies, including their own defibrillator. The team all have lifeguarding and advanced first aid qualification.

Andrew Dean, the Lifeguard project manager, told reporters: “Beach users are very welcome to come and chat with the lifeguards for advice and we urge everyone to keep an eye on our flags and safety information boards.”