Lifeguards at Camber Sands started their training this week as they were put through their paces on the beach where seven people died last year.

The qualified beach lifeguards, who are employed by the RNLI, will now start a two-week induction programme to cover first aid and learning about the local risks and hazards on the beach.

Funding was approved by Rother District Council earlier this year to provide £51,000 for their cover over the summer season following last year’s tragedies.

The lifeguards will work alongside the council’s beach patrol teams, who carry out safety patrols, missing children searches, observation and spotting as well as giving public safety advice and first aid.

A team of four RNLI lifeguards will cover the central part of the beach seven days per week between 10am and 6pm from May 27 until October 1. A further two lifeguards will be on the west section seven days a week between 10am and 6pm starting on July 8 until September 10.

Joe Mitchell, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: “Lifeguards have a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a high level of fitness, and we have a great team ready to patrol Camber Sands.

"They’ve already completed a high standard of training and fitness tests, and these next two weeks are about really familiarising themselves with this beach.

“They will use a variety of equipment including rescue boards, inshore rescue watercraft and vehicles where appropriate, so training is essential.

“But a key part of their work is prevention so they will be asking people to respect the water and be offering advice on how to stay safe by learning about rip currents, tides and other local dangers.”

Inquests into the deaths of seven people who died in two separate incidents last July and August are due to be held later this year.

Dad Mohit Dupar and 19-year-old Gustavo Silva Da Cruz died on July 24.

And five friends from south-east London, Nitharsan Ravi, Kenugen and Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan, Gurushanth Srithavarajah and Inthushan Sriskantharasa, got into trouble and died exactly a month later.

RDC has said it will “carefully consider” the rulings by the coroner and “act on any recommendations” made at the inquests.

Last year, RNLI lifeguards on 227 beaches dealt with 17,414 incidents, helping 20,538 people and saving 127 lives.