RNLI lifeguards will be back patrolling Poole and Bournemouth beaches in time for Easter.

They are returning to four beaches in the two towns on Friday to keep people safe on some of the country's most popular beaches over the holiday period.

The charity’s lifeguards have undergone intensive training over the past few weeks and will be keeping visitors safe at Sandbanks, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West and Boscombe East between 10am and 6pm from Friday to Sunday 19 April.

The RNLI’s advice for anyone planning a trip to the coast is to choose a lifeguarded beach, particularly if you’re planning to go in the water, because you’re much safer when you have highly-trained lifesavers looking out for you.

With the weather starting to become warmer, a dip in the sea may seem more appealing, but the water is still very cold so make sure you are wearing the right kit.

Barry Heathfield, RNLI lifeguard manager for Dorset, said: ‘We are looking forward to being back on the beaches in Bournemouth and Poole; keeping people safe over the Easter period.

"We hope people will head down to the coast and enjoy our wonderful beaches now the weather is warming up a little. If you do make a trip down to the beach please come and say hello to the lifeguards who will be more than happy to help.

‘If you’re going to take the plunge and swim in the sea make sure you’re wearing a good wetsuit or drysuit, go with other people and keep an eye on each other.

"Keeping warm in cold weather can take a lot of energy, so fatigue can be an issue, plus watch out for the wind chill factor – even a slight breeze can have a dramatic effect on how cold it feels.’ Last year there were 13,443 visitors to RNLI lifeguarded beaches in Dorset. Lifeguards attended nine incidents and carried out 1,307 preventative actions over the 16-day Easter period.