Seafront wardens returned to Brightlingsea for the summer at the start of the half-term holiday.
At the same time, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) beach patrol teams began work covering beaches at Clacton, Frinton and Walton.
Mick Barry, TDC cabinet member for leisure and public realm, said: ”Our beach patrol teams are here to help keep everyone safe – offering guidance, first aid, and stepping in when people get into difficulty.
“Last summer, they intervened in numerous incidents, from advising swimmers who had drifted too far out, to stopping people climbing on rocks and groynes, which can be extremely dangerous.
“We urge everyone to follow safety advice, pay attention to beach flags, avoid swimming near piers, and be mindful of tides, currents, and sudden drops in the sea floor. And please, never swim under the influence of alcohol. Remember, Beach Patrol is not an emergency service – if you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The seafront warden service will be on duty from 11am to 5pm, excluding 29 May, at Brightlingsea and beach patrol will operate in Clacton, Frinton and Walton most Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10.30am to 5.30pm, and daily during the school summer holidays.
The popular Swim Safe programme – a national initiative from the RNLI and Swim England, supported locally by TDC – will also return this July and August offering free sessions at Clacton’s Martello Beach to teach children vital sea safety skills. Sessions can be booked online from six weeks before they begin at www.swimsafe.org.uk.
