Beach Patrol staff have been thanked for helping to keep residents and visitors safe during a particularly busy summer on Tendring’s coastline, during which they rescued almost 100 people in difficulty in the sea.

Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, praised the team for their professionalism, vigilance and public service throughout a season marked by prolonged hot weather and high visitor numbers.

The figures record 99 rescues during the period, while the Beach Patrol boat and jet skis were called out 151 times.

Between the May half term and the end of August, TDC's Beach Patrol also recorded 12,153 occasions when safety advice was given to members of the public, provided first aid on 188 occasions, and worked jointly with the emergency services in relation to 92 incidents.

Much of the team’s work is preventative, including spotting potential dangers early, encouraging swimmers to remain within safe areas, and advising people to stay away from piers, groynes, breakwaters and other coastal structures.

This summer, the council also supported the Swim Safe programme, with more than 530 young people taking part in sessions designed to teach vital open-water safety skills and what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty.

Speaking at a meeting of the Full Council on Tuesday (1 September), Councillor Barry said: “The Essex Sunshine Coast is one of our district’s greatest assets and every summer tens of thousands of people come to enjoy our beaches.

“But we also know the sea can be unpredictable and conditions can change very quickly, which is why the work of our Beach Patrol team is so important.

“Their role is not only about responding when someone gets into difficulty. It is also about the thousands of quieter interventions which prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

“Throughout a relentlessly hot summer period, our Beach Patrol staff worked incredibly hard, often in busy and challenging conditions, offering safety guidance, providing first aid and stepping in when people got into difficulty.

“Sadly, we must also acknowledge that there have been tragic fatalities here and elsewhere on the Essex coast this summer. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families and friends of everyone affected by those tragic incidents.

“On behalf of Tendring District Council, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to every member of the Beach Patrol team, and also to the emergency services and partner organisations who have worked alongside them throughout the summer.

“Their commitment, professionalism and public service have made a real difference throughout the season, and we are extremely grateful to them.”

The meeting also heard thanks from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Stephenson, and the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Ann Oxley, who both praised the Beach Patrol team for their hard work and commitment throughout the summer season.

Beach Patrol operates in Clacton, Frinton and Walton during the main seaside season, while Seafront Warden teams support Dovercourt and Brightlingsea.

Visitors to the coast are advised that Beach Patrol is not an emergency service – and if you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.