RNLI lifeguards could be back on Teignbridge beaches for the next five years if councillors agree. 

Councillors are being recommended to renew a contract with the RNLI to continue to provide summer lifeguard cover for the next five years at Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren beaches.

The RNLI has provided a lifeguard service on the beaches of Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren for 15 years and has been involved in numerous rescues, provision of first aid to beach users and taken thousands of preventative steps to keep people safe.

In addition to helping to keep people safe, life guarded beaches are one of the elements that contribute to Dawlish Warren retaining its Blue Flag beach status.

Councillors are being advised that as well as saving lives, the presence of RNLI lifeguards also gives confidence to less confident swimmers and so increases access to wellbeing opportunities.

By providing a beach lifeguard service, the council is also supporting the UK Drowning prevention strategy, developed by the National Water Safety Forum with the aim of reducing accidental drowning fatalities in the UK by 50 per cent by 2026.

Executive member for sport, recreation and resorts Cllr John Nutley said: ‘This an important service to people using these beaches and we are grateful that over the past 15 years the RNLI have not only provided the service but contributed to its cost.

‘Many people have benefited from the presence of RNLI lifeguards and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to making these beaches safer for both residents and visitors.’

The executive will consider the recommendations at its meeting on 4 January.