Lifeguards are patrolling St Leonards beach again as the summer season – belatedly – gets underway.

“Having the lifeguards in position on this popular section of beach is essential, to ensure the safety of residents and visitors while they enjoy the warmer weather,” said a spokesman for Hastings Borough Council.

Last weekend on their first day of operation this season a woman got into difficulty in the sea. The fast thinking and swift actions of one of the on-duty lifeguards meant the woman was rescued and brought back to safety, with very minor injuries from the rocks, demonstrating the value of the lifeguard service.

The council says it is urging anyone wishing to visit the beach to be responsible and make sure they read the RNLI’s beach safety advice before visiting.

Deputy council leader Colin Fitzgerald, lead cabinet member for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism said: “We are really happy to see the RNLI lifeguards back in operation on the St Leonards beach and grateful for all of the hard work they do keeping everyone enjoying our beaches safe.”