RNLI Lifeguards have made an early return to the Sedgemoor District Council-managed beach at Burnham-on-Sea, in preparation for what is set to be a bumper summer season.

The lifeguards - funded by the district council - have been on duty since Saturday (May 29) to cover the half-term holiday, and they will be on duty during weekends throughout June.

They will start full-time safety patrols on July 3, with a presence on the beach from 10am to 6pm, and there will also be lifeguards at Berrow Beach from that date.

The lifeguards will work alongside the Sedgemoor-employed Beach Wardens.

All beach users are urged to follow safety signage and listen to any advice and warning information issued by the lifeguards or wardens.

RNLI lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety, so if you have any questions you can approach a lifeguard for help or expert advice.

Beach users are urged to ask for help if they find themselves or anyone else, rather than attempting a rescue themselves.

If something happens outside of the lifeguarding hours, you should phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.