The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will double the number of RNLI lifeguard units on UK beaches to 122 over the next five years.

A survey carried out by research company Ipsos MORI – involving a nationally representative sample of 2,057 adults aged 15 and above – indicates that visitor numbers to UK beaches increased by 30 per cent within the past year.

In addition, 10,286 adults and children were assisted by RNLI lifeguards in 2006 compared with only 9,930 in 2005.

The RNLI believes that this rapid increase in visitor numbers – and consequent lifeguard action – is a result of the UK’s extended summers. Also, the manufacture of more sophisticated marine equipment and clothing means that seaside leisure pursuits are now enjoyed out side the usual summer season.

In a bid to meet this rapid increase in visitor numbers, the RNLI aims to open another 60 lifeguard units by 2011.

RNLI national lifeguard manager Peter Dawes said: “The RNLI is a charity which aims to save lives at sea. Our new co-ordinated rescue service from the beach to the open sea will deploy our lifeguards and lifeboat crews in a more effective manner. The advantages of this approach have been clearly demonstrated in the south west of England where RNLI Lifeguards have been operating since 2001, helping more than 47,500 people.

“As a sea rescue charity with a national presence, we are well placed to extend this to other areas of the UK and save more lives, particularly on beaches where there is a clear need and no co-ordinated safety measures in place.”

The RNLI is a registered charity with more than 230 lifeboat stations in the south and south west of England. Details: www.rnli.org.uk