A LACK of adult members could sink the Weymouth Canoe Life-guards, the chairman of the group said today.

Alan Hale is appealing for help to ensure the survival of the important voluntary service.

He said: "The club is due to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year but a lack of members, in particular adults, is placing the club's future in doubt."

Weymouth Canoe Life-guards currently has around 25 to 30 members, who are all volunteers.

They provide first aid cover at a wide range of local national and international events a round the town, such as Victorian Show Night, Trawler Race Day, Model Boats Festival, Veterans' Weekend, triathlons and open water swimming events.

During Weymouth Carnival they also help to put up the charity stalls and provide additional lifeguard cover on the beach.

Mr Hale, who has been involved in the group for around 16 years, said: "We have got a lot of enthusiastic young people but we're desperate for older people, over the age of 18, to be there and help manage them.

"Members of the club get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

"In this day and age there is a lot of criticism about young people not doing things, and here we have a lot of young people doing good work in the community.

"Without adult support the small handful of older members we already have won't be able to keep it going."

He added: "If anyone is interested in lifeguarding, first aid, canoeing, swimming or helping others, Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards could be the club for them."

The club is open to anyone aged 13 years old and over. There is also a Rookie Lifeguard group for 10 to 13 years old.

Adults joining the club as coaches or helpers will have their Criminal Record Bureau checks paid for by the club.

The club meets at its base on Weymouth beach at 6.30pm on Thursday evenings for canoe and lifeguard training.

All specialist kit such as canoes, buoyancy aids, safety helmets are provided. The club also trains at Osprey Leisure Centre, Castletown at 7.30pm on Saturdays.

Anyone interested in joining Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards can email Mr Hale for further information at alanjohnhale@aol.com or by attending one of the club's training sessions.