LIFEGUARDS are set to return to Saltburn and Redcar beaches this weekend (Saturday, May 23) thanks to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The charity’s lifeguards, in association with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, will be operating daily safety patrols from 10am to 6pm.

Following the Bank Holiday, a daily service will continue on Saltburn beach until September 6.

At Redcar beach weekend-only patrols will then operate from May 31 until July 25 after which a seven-day-a-week service will commence until September 6.

Chris Ward, RNLI lifeguard manager, said: "Our lifeguards have spent the last month polishing their lifesaving skills and first aid abilities, and they’re looking forward to patrolling the beaches from the Bank Holiday.

"The teams are there to provide a reassuring presence on the beach and to offer extra peace of mind to visitors, enabling them to have a safe and enjoyable experience at the seaside."

The lifeguards have undergone a period of comprehensive training and have passed rigorous fitness tests to ensure that everyone is in top condition and physically ready for the seasonal service.

Their role is 95 per cent preventative and the teams will be on hand to offer friendly safety advice, such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and tips on what to do if you get into trouble in the water.