LIFEGUARDS at Burnham-on-Sea and Berrow beaches have come off duty after a busy summer season.

RNLI lifeguards have been working alongside Sedgemoor District Council's (SDC) beach wardens and clean surroundings team to maintain beach safety.

They have been on the beach since July 8 doing full-time safety patrols and will return next summer.

Before they started on their beach duties, the lifeguards visited 19 local schools and spoke to 4,500 children to make sure they knew about beach safety ahead of the summer season.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council, said “We want people to enjoy the beach safely.

"Although the RNLI lifeguards have departed for the winter, we would urge beach users to take care.

"We want you to enjoy the beach, but we also want you to recognise the dangers and never underestimate the power of the sea, especially during the stormy season."

Sedgemoor’s beach wardens have been on duty since the end of March and will be on duty until the end of September at Burnham on Sea and Berrow beaches.

All beach wardens have first aid training and beach/jetty safety training.

Beach users are urged to follow safety signage and listen to any advice and warning information issued by Sedgemoor’s beach wardens– the staff are there to ensure your safety