Lifeguards needed for beach duty

Lifeguards will be paid to patrol beaches

A search has begun for lifeguards to patrol the busy beaches of Teesside this summer.

Hartlepool Council said ideal candidates would be strong swimmers and good communicators who would keep a cool head when faced with an emergency.

The team will cover the beaches at Seaton Carew, as well as Block Sands and Fish Sands on the Headland.

Seven lifeguards and two supervisors will be paid to cover weekends and bank holidays shifts from May.

Would-be lifeguards should ideally have a National Beach Lifeguard Qualification, but if not, full training will be provided.

Debbie Wood, the Council's Beach Safety Officer, said: "It takes a special type of person to be a lifeguard, and the role carries a lot of responsibility.

"You need to be a good swimmer, alert and observant, and a good communicator who can keep a cool head in an emergency."