RNLI lifeguards will return to two of the county’s busiest beaches this Easter bank holiday weekend.

The charity’s lifeguards have completed all their training and will be back at their posts on Tenby’s South Beach and Whitesands Beach in St. Davids from 10 am on Good Friday ready to offer the safety advice and assistance to beach goers after the winter break.

This year is the first time RNLI lifeguards will be on duty at Whitesands for Easter after the season there was extended for 2016. They will be providing a safety service every day between 10 am and 6 pm throughout the Easter school holidays until Sunday, April 10. Peak season at Whitesands will again run until the last weekend in September.

At Tenby South Beach the lifeguards will be on duty for the four-day Easter weekend and will then return to duty at weekends only from April 30, before daily peak season begins on May 21.

Stuart Penfold, West Wales RNLI Lifeguard supervisor, said: “It’s been a long winter and the RNLI lifeguards have completed all their training and are looking forward to returning to Tenby South Beach and Whitesands for Easter.

“We know that Whitesands is getting busier and busier and lots of people are visiting the beach during the Easter holidays. We felt there was need for safety cover there earlier in the year and are pleased to be on duty during Easter.

“Anyone thinking of heading to the beach over Easter is urged to respect the water and visit a lifeguarded beach, where there are trained professionals to help keep you and your group safe.

“Even though the weather is warming up of late, the water temperatures at this time of year remain very cold, so anyone thinking of venturing into the water should remember to wear a good wetsuit to avoid suffering from the effects of cold water shock.

“Conditions can also be changeable, so please bring appropriate clothing and be ready for all weathers.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, Clr. Elwyn Morse, said: “It is always great to see the RNLI lifeguards back on the beaches for another season.

“The beaches are vital areas for people to enjoy a huge range of health and fitness activities in a safe environment provided by the lifeguards.”

• RNLI lifeguards across Wales assisted more than 900 people on 32 beaches last year.