AS the busy summer period for our beaches and coastlines approaches Waveney District Council has launched its Beach Safe campaign.The award-winning beaches in north Suffolk attract thousands of visitors every summer and the council is reminding everyone, including residents, to be “beach safe”.

AS the busy summer period for our beaches and coastlines approaches Waveney District Council has launched its Beach Safe campaign.

The award-winning beaches in north Suffolk attract thousands of visitors every summer and the council is reminding everyone, including residents, to be “beach safe”.

The initiative, alongside the Journal's Stay Safe This Summer campaign wants to see people enjoying the beautiful beaches in north Suffolk but also wants to highlight the potential dangers if safety rules are not adhered to.

Throughout the summer The Journal will be publishing details of any dangers or potential hazards in the Lowestoft and Southwold areas.

The district council has two main objectives in the beach safe campaign - an overall safety theme and encouraging people to respect the environment and clean up when they leave.

Waveney officials and councillors are also keen to promote the lifeguard service which is available at Lowestoft's South Beach and at the beach beside Southwold Pier.

Stephen Ardley, portfolio holder for health and well being, said: “Our lifeguards are the experts. They look out for us, but we'd like people to look out for them, as they can answer all your questions on beach safety.”

Mr Ardley said it was vital that basic safety rules were respected.

“On visiting the beach people can get distracted or relax their guard and hazards are often overlooked. We don't want to spoil your day out. We'd just like to remind people to be aware of the potential risks and to consider their actions.

“Waveney's lifeguards are patrolling but it doesn't hurt to be alert.”

Visitors to Waveney's beaches, including those at Lowestoft, Kessingland and Southwold, are being asked to clean up when they leave.

Special leaflets and posters are being displayed that informs of the bylaws and controls that affect the beaches.

Regular patrols are carried out by council officers to ensure that the beaches and coastal areas can be enjoyed by all users.

“Not only are these patrolled stretches of beach the safest, they are the cleanest, as our recent clutch of Blue Flag awards testifies.

“We work very hard maintaining our beaches and would like everybody to help us keep them that way,” said Mr Ardley.