THE tragic deaths of two teenagers in Barmouth earlier this year could lead to the introduction of RNLI lifeguards on the most popular beaches in Gwynedd, the Cambrian News can reveal.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts says initial discussions to pilot a lifeguard service in the Barmouth area have been “very encouraging”, after calls were made to strengthen beach safety measures following the death of two teenagers off the coast of Barmouth last August.

The Cambrian News and Mrs Saville Roberts have both championed lifeguards for Gwynedd’s tourist beaches, with initial calls coming following the death of Richard Guest, who died a hero off the coast of Tywyn attempting to save two teenage girls in July 2015.

At present beach wardens are felt to be doing an excellent job protecting beachgoers, but they are limited in what they can do once someone is in difficulty in the water.

The MP has been working alongside the RNLI, the community of Barmouth and Gwynedd Council to look at ways of developing a life-saving service along parts of the coastline, particularly during the height of the tourist season.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “Initial discussions to explore the possibility of developing a lifeguard service in Barmouth have been very positive and I pay tribute to the RNLI, Gwynedd Council and the local community for their constructive approach to the issue.

“All options to improve safety should be considered and a collaborative effort is required to explore how this could be arranged.”

See this week’s Meirionnydd editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow