AN underground cable network in Weymouth is being upgraded as part of a multi-million pound project to help HM Coastguard save lives at sea and on the Dorset coast.

Work is under way to replace old copper-based cables with fibre-based technology across 165 remote radio sites across the United Kingdom - including Weymouth.

Each radio site receives distress calls from UK waters and the replacement technology will bring improvements such as security and bandwidth.

The new fibre-based hybrid network will also make sure HM Coastguard can continue to communicate with ships, smaller craft, and other leisure users in UK waters to advise on navigation hazards or receive distress alerts.

Alongside this, the coastguard will be able to communicate and co-ordinate search and rescue with Rescue Teams, lifeboats, HM Coastguard helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and emergency tugs and launch and direct the hundreds lifeboats that save lives.

Damien Oliver, commercial and programmes director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said the multi-million upgrade project will allow emergency services effectively respond to emergencies and help saves at sea and on the coast.

He said: “We are investing £175 million into this new national radio network, which is central in preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.

“At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to people’s mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability to do that.”

The news comes as the Coastguard called upon open-water swimmers and cold-water dippers to follow safety advice over Christmas amid a huge surge in swimming-related incidents.

In a year when swimming pools have largely been closed, there has been a significant increase in people enjoying open-water swimming and cold-water dipping - but there has also been a 52 per cent increase in swimming-related calls for help, HM Coastguard has said.

The new network is being installed and maintained by Telent Technology Services Ltd.

Peter Moir, managing director of network services at Telent, said: “This network may not be seen by many people, but it’s literally a lifeline for someone in distress at sea.

“It’s important that this network’s capability continues to support Her Majesty’s Coastguard in the vital lifesaving search and rescue work that it does.”