RNLI lifeguard cover on Weymouth beach will end this weekend – with the charity now urging people to take extra caution when visiting the beauty spot.

Weymouth beach has had a very busy summer with more people staying at home and thousands of tourists flooding to the coast for a UK holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside responding to incidents in the water, providing casualty care for both minor and major first aids, and helping locate lost children, Weymouth RNLI lifeguards have carried out many preventative actions throughout the summer, with their advice and interventions preventing many more incidents occurring.

RNLI lifeguards have provided this service while adapting to new protocols this season because of the pandemic to protect themselves and the public from the virus. This has included wearing PPE, enhanced cleaning of equipment and maintaining a two-metre distance from others whilst carrying out their role.

Weymouth beach will see its last day of lifeguard patrols for the year on Sunday, September 27 at 6pm.

With no lifeguard service in operation from Sunday, members of the public are being urged by the charity to take extra care and be responsible when visiting the beach by knowing their limits and not taking any risks.

Alice Higgins, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for Weymouth says: “Those still wanting to use the beaches in Dorset can help keep themselves safe by taking note of the safety signage at the entrance to the beach, going with a friend or telling someone on the shore where they are going, at the same time always being aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water. Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water.”

RNLI lifeboat crews have been operating throughout the pandemic and continue to be on call 24/7 ready to respond to emergencies when their pager goes off.