Lifeguards on patrol at Christmas
Saturday, December 26th, 2009BBC News
The RNLI’s only year-round lifeguards have spent their first Christmas working at Europe’s first artificial surf reef in Dorset.
Three lifeguards are providing cover at Boscombe beach throughout the festive season, including two on Christmas day.
Bournemouth Borough Council is funding the new year-round operation. RNLI lifeguards normally operate on beaches only until autumn.
RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews were also on standby across the Dorset coast.
Michael Winter, 27 and Andy Reakes, 23, are the lifeguards who were due to be on duty on Christmas Day.
Mr Winter said as he prepared for his shift: “We’re preparing for a busy time on Christmas day.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed for some surf and hopefully the reef will be working, but I am sure there will be plenty of people making the most of their day with the family and wanting to get into the water whatever the conditions.” (Full Article)