East Riding of Yorkshire Council handed over responsibility for lifeguard services to the charity earlier this year and on Tuesday the RNLI launched its new safety patrols on Bridlington's north and south beaches with a staged rescue operation.

Lifeguards and Bridlington's inshore lifeboat went through their paces to show how they aim to keep our beaches safe during the nine-week summer season.

They will monitor beaches and sea conditions, giving safety advice and helping those who get into trouble in the sea.

In April, East Riding council became one of the first authorities in the north of England to join forces with the RNLI, handing over responsibility for the seasonal lifeguard service to the charity.

The seven-day-a-week service provided by the RNLI lifeguards matches the service previously provided by the council, which continues to provide financial support.

Carl Harris, the RNLI's deputy divisional lifeguard manager for the north, said the new lifeguard service in East Yorkshire reinforces the RNLI's aim to provide a seamless rescue service from the beach to the open sea.

"The RNLI launched its Life First campaign last year, which highlights the charity's development from a lifeboat service to a lifeboat and lifeguard service.

"Lifeguards are an integral part of the RNLI's commitment to saving lives at sea and this year RNLI lifeguards will provide safety patrols on beaches in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and along the North East coastline for the first time," said Mr Harris.

Coun Jane Evison, East Riding council's portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: 'The lifeguards have a vital role to perform in helping to protect the thousands of people who enjoy our beaches every day."

More than 100 beaches in Britain are already patrolled by RNLI lifeguards and, in 2008, RNLI lifeguards helped more than 11,000 people at the seaside.

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