RNLI lifeguards, who have been patrolling Widemouth and Summerleaze beaches since Easter, are now operating on Black Rock, Crooklets and Sandymouth beaches from May 16 as we get into the main summer season.

These beaches all have a full-time service from now through until the end of September.

During the fair weather, the lifeguards have been kept busy with preventative actions, where they advise the public about rip currents and other dangers prior to them entering the water.

This important educational work has resulted in just a handful of rescues needing to be carried out across the Bude beaches in the last month.

Despite this, there are still strong rip currents at both Widemouth and Summerleaze and also at Black Rock and Crooklets, especially at low tide. It is important for the public to talk to the RNLI lifeguards on duty before entering the water as the beach is a dynamic environment and these currents are always changing.

The lifeguard service has been inspected by RNLI management in recent weeks, with a high standard of service provision achieved.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.