RNLI lifeguards are getting ready to get back to work patrolling Burnham-on-Sea and Berrow beaches as a busy summer season is set to start.

On July 8 RNLI lifeguards will be returning to Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) managed beaches to begin their full time safety patrols.

The lifeguards will be on the beaches daily from 10am til 6pm.

Luke Penman, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: "All our lifeguards are very much looking forward to returning to Sedgemoor beaches this summer.

"We encourage those thinking of a trip to the coast over the summer months to always visit a lifeguarded beach and if you’re heading into the sea please respect the water and swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been designated as the safest swimming areas by lifeguards.

"RNLI lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety, so if you have any questions please approach a lifeguard who will be more than happy to help or offer expert advice.

"If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble please raise your hand and call for help.

"It is very important that you don’t try and attempt the rescue yourself – the situation could easily turn and you could find yourself in trouble too.

" RNLI lifeguards will come to your assistance.

"If something happens outside of the lifeguarding hours phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

SDC said the lifeguards will be on induction training for a few weeks before the start of the season and said they have already been out to 19 schools and spoken to 3,000 children to make sure they know about beach safety.

RNLI lifeguards will also be providing an additional service at Burnham and Berrow beaches alongside beach wardens employed by SDC from July 8 and September 10.