Daily Mirror

RIDDLE OF THE SANDS:

Fully trained rescuers on only one in four hol spots Victims would still be alive if beach had proper patrols say angry families and holidaymak­ers

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THE RNLI is the biggest operator of lifeguards in the UK, patrolling 215 of the nation’s 754 bathing beaches.

Whether or not a beach is covered is decided between the charity, emergency services and the local authority.

Rother Council, which is responsibl­e for Camber Sands, said while there were no lifeguards, there were beach patrols in place during the summer months.

They give safety advice, help lost children and deal with incidents on land, including first aid.

A spokesman said: “We are in regular discussion with emergency services and other colleagues to ensure measures currently in place are sufficient and identify any additional measures that may need to be taken – either in terms of arrangemen­ts at the beach or doing more to educate people of the dangers of the sea.”

Most lifeguards are paid by the local authority, but there are also volunteers. During 2014, the RNLI recruited 1,150 lifeguards and rescued 1,749 people.

RNLI teams need to pass vigorous fitness tests and be able to swim 200 metres within 3.5 minutes and run 200 metres on sand in under 40 seconds.

In light of tragedies during the current heat wave, the RNLI is today urging people to treat water with respect.

 ??  ?? WARNING Police officer speaks to child at Camber Sands
WARNING Police officer speaks to child at Camber Sands

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