LIFEGUARDS will return to Aberystwyth’s busiest beach this weekend as figures show last year was the deadliest in five years for visitors to Wales’ beaches.

RNLI lifeguards have been busy training in preparation for their return to service on Aberystwyth North Beach on Saturday, 18 June, providing safety advice and assistance to people visiting the coast.

Lifeguards will also return to duty at Aberporth and Tresaith, bringing the number of lifeguarded beaches in Ceredigion up to five at this early stage in the season after New Quay and Llangrannog beaches saw the return of the charity’s lifeguards last month.

And all of the county’s busiest beaches will be fully operational from 2 July as RNLI lifeguards return to provide safety cover at Borth, Clarach and Aberystwyth South beaches.

All lifeguarded beaches will receive safety cover between the hours of 10am and 6pm every day until 4 September.

But the RNLI, a charity which saves lives at sea, has called on beachgoers to be extra careful this summer and only bathe at lifeguarded beaches after figures revealed 20 people died on the Welsh coast last year, the highest number since 2011, and another 78 lives were saved by RNLI Lifeboat crews and lifeguards.

Sam Trevor, Ceredigion RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: “All our lifeguards complete comprehensive training before beginning summer safety services on the beaches and they are very much looking forward to manning another three of Ceredigion’s beaches from this weekend.

“We encourage those thinking of a trip to the coast over the summer months to always visit a lifeguarded beach and if you’re heading into the sea please respect the water and swim between the red and yellow flags."