Early end to lifeguard season

Or so the impression would have been given to anyone visiting our seafront this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday must have been one of the best weekends, weather-wise, this year, with many people having visited Littlehampton, no doubt helping traders to at least part-fill tills, while many enjoyed the sands and sun, with some even braving the water.

What, though, would have happened if some unfortunate soul got into difficulty, with no foreshore attendants or lifeguards on duty because the season ended several days ago?

I and others have noticed this situation before, but with the very good weather this weekend, it was all the more obvious.

At least the visiting yachtsmen were safe, as I noticed the Windsong was patrolling the harbour.

E. Benham

Gloucester Place

Littlehampton

* A spokeswoman for Arun District Council replied: "The arrival of the unseasonal good weather is a welcome bonus for visitors and residents and Arun always takes people's safety on the beaches very seriously.

"It may be helpful to know that although the provision of foreshore staff, including lifeguards at Littlehampton, is not a statutory health and safety requirement, Arun District Council works closely with the local Coastguard and the RNLI to ensure that there is enhanced safety cover during the main summer season.

"The Blue Flag beach season typically starts in May, however, the local tourist season begins at Easter.

"The council has agreed, over the years, to provide funding for foreshore staffing from the earlier Easter break, through to the end of the school holidays in September. The local Coastguard and RNLI services operate throughout the year."

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