RNLI Lifeguards could be patrolling three of West Dorset's most popular beaches following last year's successful trial.

The pilot scheme took place at Lyme Regis, West Bay and Charmouth throughout the peak time period of the summer school holidays.

Now councillors at West Dorset District Council are considering whether to continue the safety patrols by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in July and August this summer.

It is recommended that the council continue the scheme so that more tourists will be attracted to the beaches and add long-term economic benefit for the region.

If the scheme is agreed two trained lifeguards will be based at each beach to look out for dangers on the beach and in the water and provide a rescue and first aid service.

They will also indicate safe bathing areas marked by flags.

The lifeguard patrols were introduced following the drowning of a 19-year-old tourist on West Bay beach in 2006.

At the time of the drowning the coroner wrote to the district council expressing his concern that the council was not doing enough to ensure the safety of the public on the beaches.

In the risk assessment report that followed, the main conclusion was that lifeguard patrols may not be necessary on Monmouth Beach at Lyme Regis, Eype Beach and West and East Beach at West Bay.

However, the RNLI recommended a peak time lifeguard service because of significant beach hazards such as the recent drowning, the lack of safety signage and the problems with people jumping into the harbour from the East Pier.

The district council's contribution towards the RNLI's £16,640 running costs will be £11,093 that will be generated from the car park income.

Both Lyme Regis Town Council and Charmouth Parish Council were asked to pay the remaining £5,546 between them. Lyme Regis Town Council offered to pay £1,386 based on their parking revenue income and Charmouth Parish Council said they had higher priorities and that their budget was already set.

The RNLI responded by waiving the contributions from the two councils because they felt the lifeguard service was necessary.

As part of the extended trial the RNLI will also undertake a detailed review of nine other beaches in West Dorset.

The recommendation was due to be decided at the district council's executive committee meeting today.