Lifeguards were back on seasonal duty on a number of beaches along the Norfolk coast from Saturday. The RNLI guards will take up their posts at Sheringham, East Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.

Lifeguards were back on seasonal duty on a number of beaches along the Norfolk coast from Saturday.

The RNLI guards will take up their posts at Sheringham, East Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. Beaches at West Cromer and Hemsby will be patrolled from July 11.

Many of the lifeguards from last year will be returning.

Darren Lewis, RNLI lifeguard manager for East Anglia, said: “I want to remind young people of the dangers of jumping off the harbour walls and piers - it could lead to serious injury, permanent disability or even death.

“In other parts of the country people have broken their necks and ended up in a wheelchair for life.

“Please recognise the dangers of these areas, in particular near the harbour wall at Gorleston - it is filling up with sand and so becoming more and more shallow, making it a hidden danger to anyone jumping in.”

Other messages for anyone visiting beaches are:

-Never take an inflatable or lilo out into big waves or choppy sea conditions

-When on a lifeguard-patrolled beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them - this is the area patrolled by lifeguards

-Never swim alone

-If in any doubt, ask a lifeguard

RNLI lifeguards aim to provide a joined-up service from the beach to the open sea in tandem with the volunteer lifeboat crews. They provide cover out to 300 metres and operate from 10am to 6pm every day.

Lifeguards will be going into visit schools and talk to the children. If anyone wants a school talk contact Stuart Thompson on 07920 592886.