DORSET continues to swelter in baking hot temperatures.

Today and the weekend is likely to see some cloud and overcast skies but temperatures will remain in the high 20s.

Although it’s not quite hot enough to trigger a major health alert, experts are warning people to be safe in the sun.

And as thousands flock to the beaches, emergency services are urging people to heed warnings. Coastguards have been dealing with dozens of incidents as more people head to the coast.

Meanwhile, seaside traders are reporting good business while shops have been selling out of barbecues and fans.

Figures from Wey-mouth weatherman Bob Poots, who records data at the Wyke weather station, show that Tuesday was the hottest day of the year with a maximum temperature of 25.5 degrees – but that was beaten by Wednesday’s temperature which soared past 26 degrees. Yesterday was on course to be even hotter.

People in direct sunlight on Weymouth Beach experienced temperatures above 30 degrees.

The average amount of sunshine for the month is 239 hours but it could be on target to reach 300 hours this July.

Fulvio Figliolini, pictured top, from Rossi’s Ice Cream said: “The weather has been phenomenal.

“Hopefully the weather will stay this way for all the children and families during the holidays.”

Cath Deadman, owner of The View cafe, said: “The weather has really been quite nice since Easter which has been really good for trade.”

Darren Deadman, owner of The Boat cafe, pictured below, said: “The weather drives people into town so it’s been brilliant so far this year. It’s getting busier every day.”

Sue Kent, who works at the Alexandra Gardens kiosk said: “We’re busy and hot but we’re coping.”

Dorset County Hospital said it has treated a few people for dehydration.

A spokesman said: “We have treated some elderly people and babies for dehydration. We would ask people to keep an eye on elderly relatives and neighbours to make sure their houses are well ventilated so that air can circulate and to make sure they drink enough.

“Babies should be stripped to their nappies and kept out of the sunshine. People should also ensure they are protected out in the sun to avoid sunburn, which can be severe at this time of year.

RNLI CAMPAIGN TO CUT COAST DEATHS

RESCUERS are urging people to be safe at the coast in a bid to avoid a tragedy.

Six people died in Dorset last year as a result of coastal fatalities, the RNLI said.

The RNLI has launched its major new drowning awareness campaign, Respect the Water, warning people to stay safe.

Alcohol is a contributing factor in around one-fifth of coastal deaths, the RNLI revealed, with adult men accounting for over two-thirds of coastal deaths.

James Millidge, the RNLI’s coastal safety manager in the south west, said: “With more people losing their lives at the coast each year than are killed in cycling accidents, we’re trying to make people, particularly men, realise that they are at risk from drowning if they don’t follow some basic but important safety advice.

Meanwhile, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is urging people to stay safe.

Recent incidents dealt with by Portland Coastguard include a man who plunged into Weymouth Harbour near the Town Bridge on Wednesday evening and was unable to get himself out. He managed to scramble out by himself but an ambulance was called as he had swallowed some seawater and was taken to hospital to be observed as a precaution.

A paramedic car and an ambulance were at the scene, opposite the Rendezvous by the Town Bridge.

Meanwhile, youngsters were seen jumping into the sea at West Bay harbour.

The MCA offers these top tips for staying safe: TIDE TIMES Always check tide times before walking along the foreshore and to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide.

SWIMMING Check sea conditions. Even though the sea may look calm on the surface, there is the danger of strong currents underneath.

The MCA recommends that people swim at a lifeguarded beach, take note of any warning signs and tell someone on the beach what they are doing.

CLIFF SAFETY

When walking along cliff tops, make sure you are wearing suitable footwear and don’t venture too close to the edge. Always keep dogs on a lead.

TOMBSTONING Jumping from piers, cliffs and rocks is extremely dangerous. Water depth alters with the tide, so deep water at lunch will be extremely shallow and dangerous by teatime.

ALCOHOL

The sea and alcohol do not mix. If you have been drinking, your judgement will be impaired.

LIFEJACKETS

If you’re heading out in a boat, canoe, kayak and such like, you should wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

AN ELDERLY man who was rescued from the sea in Lyme Regis after collapsing has died.

The man, believed to be a holidaymaker, was spotted in difficulties in the shallow water on main beach on Wednesday just before 4pm.

The incident happened during the resort’s busy Lifeboat Week.

Hundreds of people were cleared from the beach to allow the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to land.

The elderly gentleman was brought back to shore after getting into difficulties.

He was then taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, fighting for his life at the time.

A spokesman for the Coroner’s Office confirmed yesterday however that the man had since passed away.

He said: “We have had a report from the hospital that this person has sadly passed away.

“The coroner will be investigating the circumstances around the death.”

Details of the man’s identity are yet to be confirmed.