LIFEGUARDS yesterday showed off their skills to onlookers at beaches across the North-East.

The RNLI lifesavers gave demonstrations on beaches in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, South Shields and Sunderland.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Ben Mitchell said events were taking place throughout the country to highlight the work of the charity’s lifeguards and to raise funds for the service during Lifeguard Week.

He said: “Although local authorities help to cover the cost of lifeguard wages, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution provides all training and equipment costs for the lifeguard service.

“Last year, it cost £8m to run the RNLI’s lifeguard service, which was provided solely through voluntary donations.

Lifeguard Week offers us the opportunity to demonstrate to the people who donate that money exactly how it benefits the service. Lifeguards spend the majority of their days speaking to people while on duty and educating visitors about beach safety.

“The demonstrations provide a perfect opportunity for members of the public to question us about our work and skills.”