LIFEGUARDS are back patrolling the beaches to ensure bathers stay out of harm's way.

The teams watching the sands at Redcar and Saltburn dealt with 95 incidents last year and are reinforcing the safety message to visitors again this year.

East Cleveland's answer to Baywatch started work this week - the school half-term holiday - with the seven-trong team patrolling from 10am until 5pm, until Sunday. Then the service switches to weekends only, also from 10am to 5pm, until July 24.

Daily patrols will then be in operation at both Redcar and Saltburn throughout the summer holidays.

Paul Castle, resorts manager with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "This is a strong, experienced team who have had to pass tough fitness tests to ensure they are still up to the required standard.

"They have a far wider role than simply watching the water. It is their job to ensure people enjoy the beaches in a safe and sensible manner."

The Saltburn team is led by Steve Monan, 28, a trainee teacher, returning for a fourth season.

He is joined at the lifeguard station, on Saltburn's lower promenade by Prior Pursglove College student Chris Taylor, 19, and Teesside University student Craig Grainger, 19, who are both returning for their second season.

The team patrolling Redcar, based at Redcar's lifeguard station, includes Durham University student Jim Silk, 19, and Sheffield University student Rebecca Livingston, 18, returning for a second season.

Their team includes Tom Gaunt, 17, who works as a leisure attendant for Tees Valley Leisure. Chloe Arnold, 23, is the only new face, although she worked as a lifeguard for another authority last year.

Jim Beckett will provide additional vehicle patrols of the areas of both beaches not covered by the lifeguards and alert them to any problems.

The council's cabinet member for Coun Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We want people to feel safe at the seaside and I'm sure this team will help us achieve that aim.

"We're also proud to be displaying the Seaside Award flag at both Redcar and Saltburn again.

"It's a recognition of our good bathing water quality, clean, safe beaches and clear signage."