LIFE-SAVERS on the Sunshine Coast’s beaches saw the number of incidents almost double over the summer, figures have revealed.

Beach patrol teams were called to almost 1,400 incidents as temperatures soared and thousands of people headed for the golden sands.

The figure was almost double that of the previous year, as they provided cover for beaches at Clacton, Frinton, Walton, Brightlingsea and Dovercourt.

Tendring Council’s lifeguards and seafront rangers protect beachgoers and swimmers from April to August. The district’s coastline was packed for much of the season, due to the hot weather, leading to the massive increase in incidents.

Council environment spokesman Nick Turner said: “Many of our staff involved in this work are young people and they are a credit to the council year after year.

“Working alongside the emergency services, these young people regularly rescue others who find themselves in difficulty in the water around our beaches.

“Despite training and following careful guidelines this is never completely without risk and requires courage, fitness and commitment.

“They deal with a wide range of incidents and tackle whatever comes their way in a very professional and caring manner."

Minor first aid was given on 208 occasions and the ambulance service was called out 52 times.

In 2013 there were 758 incidents over the same summer period.