Swale council is spending £20,000 on deploying security guards to parts of Sheppey’s shoreline to help protect beachgoers and answer questions.

More used to surveillance work or catching thieves, four officers will be monitoring Minster Leas and Sheerness beaches in place of lifeguards to make sure families are enjoying the sea safely.

They have been commissioned by the borough council, and provided by private firm Total Security, and will be in place every day throughout the summer, from 10am to 6pm, until Sunday, September 6.

It comes after the RNLI announced it would only be able to provide cover at Leysdown this year, due to issues recruiting and training lifeguards caused by the pandemic.

It meant leaving Minster and Sheerness unmanned. All three of the Island's beaches usually have full-time lifeguards from July to September.

“The security guards are our eyes and ears at this unusually busy period and are there to engage with visitors rather than enforce against them,” a council spokesman said.

“The officers are first aid and Security Industry Authority trained and will be on hand to assist people, however they would call the police in any instances of anti-social behaviour.

"If anyone needs assistance in the water, they would contact the coastguard, emergency services and us to co-ordinate a response.”

Cllr Tim Valentine, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said the authority was pleased to offer beachgoers with additional support at the beaches the RNLI is unable to cover this summer.

He added: “The officers will be on hand to answer any questions the public may have, such as where they can walk their dog, find the nearest toilets or get something to eat and drink.

"Where can I park, how can I get a beach hut and why don’t we have any lifeguards are also questions we regularly get asked.”

“It’s important for beachgoers to remember that they are not lifeguards, however, and we urge people to be responsible in the water and follow the safety guidelines.”

“In the absence of a lifeguard, people should call 999 and ask for the coastguard in a water-related emergency.”

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