Beach Patrols and Seafront Wardens in Tendring experienced one of their busiest ever summers - tackling more than 1,100 incidents.

The team, which helps maintain safety along the District's coastline, dealt with 256 more situations in 2008 than in the previous year.

The total number of 1,124 incidents fell just nine short of the record summer in 2004.

The team - which is employed by Tendring District Council - dealt with a number of swim rescues and a whole variety of issues, providing a valuable service to both residents and visitors alike.

Beach Patrol boats were called into action no less than 75 times to help people in difficulty and on a further 55 occasions to recover inflatables from the water with no one on board.

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said he could not praise the work and efforts of the staff involved highly enough.

"The Council is very proud indeed of this team," he said. "They are quite literally often thrown in at the deep end dealing with life-threatening situations.

"It never ceases to delight me how they tackle these in the most professional and caring manner and, without doubt, they make a real difference to safety on our beaches and seafronts."

Cllr Oxley said it was not the hottest of summers but there were many occasions when the District's beaches were packed.

"The team definitely had to be on their toes and they were involved in a number of high profile rescues and incidents - attracting regular media attention," he added.

"Under the guidance of their boss, Seafront Manager Tim Sutton, they provided a first rate service for which we should all be grateful."

Staff reunited 76 lost children with parents.

The Council operates a very successful beach safety wristband scheme at Clacton, Frinton and Walton.

This year 29,044 wristbands were issued between April and August, compared to 23,500 in 2007. The bands are colour-coded and identify on which beach the parents of lost children can be located.

Minor first aid was given out 649 times, ambulances were required on 52 occasions, the Air Ambulance was deployed on seven occasions, and the Marine Police Unit attended nine incidents.

The team needed the Police's attendance 78 times - which resulted in three arrests and seven dispersal orders.

RNLI lifeboats were called to 18 situations, the HM Coastguard units were called 38 times, Essex Fire Service once, and the Backwaters Warden three times.

Three pets were reunited with their owners and 14 birds were recovered from the sea.

Closed Circuit Television Cameras were used on 42 occasions to help deal with incidents.

Seafront Manager Tim Sutton thanked the team for its efforts over the summer.

"They were one of the best teams I have ever worked with - and I do not say that lightly," he added.

"I would also like to thank the Emergency Services for all their support during this season."