LIFEGUARDS have begun their patrols of Dorset beaches for the summer.

As the RNLI’s peak season kicks off, it has launched a new ‘beach finder’ mobile app to make it easy for visitors to find a lifeguarded beach.

The patrols cover 21 beaches in Dorset including Greenhill in Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis.

Last year they dealt with 2,150 incidents, assisted more than 2,200 people and saved seven lives.

RNLI Divisional Lifeguard Manager for Dorset, Barry Heathfield, said: “Our lifeguards are busy with their two-week induction schedule which ensures all are trained up to the same high quality.”

Mr Heathfield said the app gives details on water quality, patrol dates and times, and hazard information.

The app is available to download free-of-charge on both Android and Apple devices from rnli.org/beach