New RNLI beach lifeguards are to start work in Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow this week as beach safety is boosted following a tragic accident last summer.
The new lifeguards will be in operation from this Saturday (July 6th) for the summer holiday season.
The news comes after beach safety was placed in the spotlight last August when four year-old Dylan Cecil died after falling into the sea from Burnham jetty.
“The RNLI will be providing lifeguarding services at both beaches to visitors and residents on behalf of Sedgemoor District Council,” said council spokeswoman Claire Faun this week.
“An RNLI beach unit is sited on Berrow Beach while the lifeguards at Burnham will share the jetty beach office on The Esplanade.”
She added: “Sedgemoor District Council have provided highly-trained lifeguards at Burnham-On-Sea for many years but this is the first time a lifeguard service has been offered at Berrow.”
Sedgemoor staff will continue to carry out other beach warden duties, as well as being trained to the Royal Life Saving Society ‘Beach Safety Wardens’ standard.
Cllr Richard Burden, Sedgemoor’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We look forward to welcoming the RNLI to the Burnham and Berrow beach teams; as well as providing an improved service to visitors and residents.”
