LIFEGUARDS have been off to a busy start, as the Easter sunshine brought crowds to Summerleaze and Widemouth.

With one of the hottest days of the year occurring just a couple of weekends ago, a number of visitors were attracted to the beach, prompting RNLI lifeguards to volunteer to keep beaches open.

Bude RNLI lifeguards have been kept busy over this year’s sunny Easter period. They have rescued a number of people from the sea, including a body boarder from the notorious rip created on the south side of Summerleaze by the River Neet.

Both Summerleaze and Widemouth lifeguards have had a number of lost children and lots of minor first aid incidents to deal with, as well as assisting paramedics when a young boy broke his ankle on Widemouth beach.

RNLI lifeguards were due to finish for the Easter period on the bank holiday weekend, on April 17, and not recommence until the following weekend, but as many of the schools were still on Easter holiday last week, the lifeguards volunteered on Summerleaze and Widemouth in order for them to remain open and to ensure the safety of those wishing to enjoy the beaches during their holidays.

Bude lifeguards continued to be on duty on Summerleaze and Widemouth until Sunday, April 23, and will now be on duty from Saturday, April 29 through until October.

Those who are going to the beach should ensure it is a lifeguarded one. If surfing or bodyboarding, it is recommended that a leash should be worn and to hold onto the board.

If someone gets in trouble, this can help them float and make it easier for lifeguards to spot them.