RNLI lifeguards will launch their safety patrols on beaches across Dorset from Saturday.

Local beaches include Poole Bay and Christchurch.

Barry Heathfield, RNLI divisional lifeguard manager for Dorset, said: “Our lifeguards are busy with their two-week induction schedule which ensures all are trained up to the same high quality.

“Although the weather hasn’t been particularly great recently, we are expecting thousands of people on the region’s beaches throughout the summer, whatever the weather, as visitors and locals make the most of what the area has to offer.”

And to help people find a lifeguarded beach, the charity has also launched a new ‘beach finder’ mobile app.

In Dorset last year RNLI lifeguards dealt with 2,150 incidents, assisted 2,246 people and saved seven lives.