The leader of Gwynedd Council has thanked staff for keeping communities safe, including Harri Bennett who helped rescue children from the sea off Tywyn.

As travel restrictions lifted, Gwynedd’s visitor numbers soared, placing extra pressure on council staff as they worked to keep local residents and visitors safe and to help stop further spread of the virus.

Businesses received help to ensure they followed the latest Covid-19 regulations. Arrangements were made to close some streets to traffic to allow pedestrians more space to socially distance while shopping.

Staff also put up banners and signs to remind people of the Covid regulations, and arrows and signs on pavements to help people keep to a distance, with one-way pedestrian arrangements on some streets. Staff have also been busy dealing with additional litter and cleaning work in popular locations.

It has been a very busy season for Gwynedd Council’s beach wardens. In addition to their everyday duties, there have been numerous instances over the past few months where they’ve rescued people getting into difficulties in the sea.

Council leader Dyfrig Siencyn said: “It almost goes without saying that the past few months have seen unprecedented challenges for all council services. It has been all hands to the pump this summer since the easing of lockdown.

“I’d like to pay tribute to every single one of our dedicated members of staff from all departments who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Their efforts will undoubtedly continue over the coming months, but as we come to the end of the main summer season, I want to say a huge thank you to our staff.

“Our popular mountain ranges have seen large numbers look to enjoy our fantastic scenery.

“The efforts of our staff together with partners from the Snowdonia National Park Authority and the emergency services has been so important in keeping the areas safe for everyone.

“I would especially like to thank those who have gone above and beyond to make sure people are safe – from wardens assisting people in difficulties from the sea to highway officers battling through the recent storms. Working with emergency services and local volunteers, they are often first at the scene

“There have been numerous instances over the past few months where our beach staff have saved a number of lives and rescued people who have got into danger at sea. I’m so thankful to them for their efforts and I know that their heroic efforts has been appreciated by the public.

“Now as pupils return to schools, it is important that we also remember the work being carried out by school staff and childcare workers. Many of them have been working throughout the past months and more recently making the necessary preparations so that our children and young people can return to school or nursery in safety.

“Despite the huge efforts of us all over recent months, it is important that we remember that coronavirus remains a real threat to our communities. It is therefore vital that we continue to play our part and maintain social distancing to help limit the spread of the disease.”

While the summer season is coming to an end, people will still visit, and Gwynedd Council is reminding people that the beach and the sea can be dangerous and care needs to be taken.