Volunteer lifeguards at Exmouth Beach Rescue gave up 1,237 hours of their own time to safeguard the public during the summer.

This year, the 29 members, over 18 Sundays and bank holidays, performed eight rescues, dealt with 16 first-aid incidents and provided advice and guidance to 137 beach users.

In addition to patrols, members continued a fitness and lifeguard skills training programme.

The club also hosted the Surf Life Saving Great Britain National Championships for the second year running, with members embracing the opportunity to compete on their local beach and to help with the smooth running of a national sporting event.

Lifeguards and boat crews from the club provided safety cover for events, including the London, Blenheim, Hyde Park, Dawlish and South Hams triathlons, as well as long-distance swimming events, including the Exe and Starcross swims, organised by the Exmouth Swimming and Life Saving Society.

Club spokesperson Dan Thorogood said: “It truly has been a magnificent year for the club. We have seen our membership grow and our club build on everyone’s strengths.

“Our members have once again shown they are truly dedicated to voluntary service for their local community. The season’s figures speak for themselves in what we have achieved.

“I would like to thank all the members, helpers and parents who have kept the club on its feet this year, as well as all those who have supported the club through sponsorship, donations, labour and in any other way. We are a small charity and without such support we would not be able to achieve what we do.”

A winter training programme has now begun, which will build on the fitness and lifeguarding skills training.

Fitness and theory training continues on Tuesday evenings, while Sunday mornings will soon see swim training return. Go to www.exmouthbeachrescueclub.org