SAFETY signs have been installed around the beach in Barmouth.

The seven new signs have been placed at main access points to the beach and come nearly two years after two teenage boys drowned.

There had initially been calls to reinstate lifeguards following the tragic deaths of Yahye Omar Mohamed, 14, and Waseem Muflahi, 15, in August 2016.

It is hoped the new signs will keep visitors and locals safe when venturing into the water.

Trevor Lewis, Barmouth RNLI’s community safety officer, has been working with the Gwynedd County Council Maritime and Country Parks Department to produce the signs which provide beach safety advice and information about local facilities for beach-goers.

Mr Lewis said: “The RNLI advice is to be aware of potential hazards due to weather and tide conditions. Even in fine weather the tide can cause rip currents and tidal cut off on sand banks.

“Heavy surf can result in undercurrents that can quickly carry bathers out of their depth. It is recommended that visitors seek local advice from beach wardens, the Harbour Master or the RNLI.

“Children using inflatables are particularly at risk, especially when used during an off-shore wind that could sweep them well out to sea before the lifeboat can reach them.

“It is also important to avoid entering the water in the harbour area due to dangerously strong currents and soft mud.”

Barmouth RNLI Coxswain Peter Davies added: “It has been a concern for some time that visitors to the area are unaware of the potential dangers of entering the water at certain stages of the tide and I welcome any initiative that encourages people to use the coastline safely.

“I am grateful to our community safety officer for the hours of hard work he has put in to making these signs a reality.

“He offers sea safety advice at all our events in and around Barmouth and plays a vital part in the RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign.”