Tendring District Council’s Beach Patrols were involved in almost 150 incidents over the 2021 summer season as the area’s coast saw more visitors during Covid-19 related restrictions on international travel.

Teams working from seven locations, including Brightlingsea, carried out 75 rescues, supported HM Coastguard in 24 incidents, and helped in the search for 48 missing people. They also administered minor first aid 412 times and gave advice to dog owners about seasonal beach bans on 465 occasions. This year teams were equipped with new rescue boards, helping them to react more quickly and assist struggling swimmers before a full rescue situation –  requiring support from the emergency services – developed.

In preventative work the Seafront Services Manager and TDC Beach Patrol team gave live safety talks to 38 schools, some on the beach and some online , while a safety video based on the talk was seen by more than 1,000 children in the district.