A SURE sign that summer is on the way is the return of the RNLI lifeguards to patrol the beaches at Redcar and Saltburn.

From Saturday, they will be on hand during the May half-term holidays between 10am and 6pm to ensure the safety of visitors.

Following the school holidays, a daily service will continue to operate on Saltburn beach until September 4.

Weekend-only lifeguard patrols will operate at Redcar beach until July 23, after which a seven-day-a-week service will run until September 4.

RNLI lifeguard manager David Brant said: “Following a comprehensive training programme our charity’s lifeguards are in peak mental and physical condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts.

“We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach where patrols will be on-hand to offer friendly safety advice such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and information on tide times.”

The RNLI runs the lifeguard service in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure, said: “Ensuring that our beaches are safe and accessible is extremely important to us, and engaging a professional beach lifeguarding operator like the RNLI provides peace of mind to our many visitors.

“Tourism is important to our economy, and the area attracts more than three million visitors each year which generates an economic benefit of over £130 million. I am delighted that the RNLI will be working with us over the coming months.”