Heat wave temperatures and an influx of visitors to Tendring's golden sands have led to an increase in incidents for beach patrol teams and seafront supervisors.

The teams - which are operated by Tendring District Council (TDC) - have been kept busy over the last week and are expecting that to continue as long as the sunny weather lasts.

Not only have they dealt with incidents, but they have also been giving out plenty of valuable advice to both visitors and residents heading to the beaches.

At the weekend teams rescued a five-year-old boy who got into difficulty off Clacton beach and 11-year-old who had jumped off a groyne at Walton into shallow water and broken his ankle.

The five-year-old had wandered off from a visiting coach party and was spotted at about 4pm on Saturday on the West Beach. He was in about ten feet of water.

One of the beach patrol swam out to him and brought his ashore where he was checked over by paramedics and was able to return to his parents.

The youngster at Walton was also rescued from the water and taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance.

Last week a man was rescued after he got into difficulty under Clacton Pier trying to retrieve a ball. He was helped by three of the team and helped ashore.

Councillor Stephen Mayzes, Cabinet Member for Leisure at TDC, said the beach teams were providing a very valuable service which helps save lives.

"Not only are they rescuing people from potentially life-threatening situations but they are also providing advice and guidance aimed at preventing people from getting into those situations in the first place," he said.

"I would urge anyone using our beaches - or any other beach - to take notice of the guidance and advice put out by the relevant authorities, such as HM Coastguard, as well as our beach patrol."

Over the weekend the teams dealt with around a dozen minor incidents.

There has also been an influx of school parties to the coast and the beach patrol have been talking to the youngsters about safety issues whenever possible.

30/6/09

Related Link Seafront Supervision