'Think twice before swimming in the sea' - that's the message from the Coastguard, as only one Dorset beach currently has lifeguards on duty.

The warning follows a number of serious incidents along the south and west coast of the country including some where people have died.

Official advice from HM Coastguard is not to swim in the sea if there are no lifeguards on duty.

Government guidance for England states that you can go to the beach as long as you are alone, with your household, or with no more than five other people from outside your household and staying two metres apart at all times.

Coastal risks are also increased as local councils and land owners may not have had the opportunity to make their usual safety provisions, coastguard officials have warned.

Director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said: “Now, more than ever, people need to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves safe at the beach.

"The Government guidance is clear – if you intend to swim when visiting the coast you should only do so at beaches where there is a lifeguard on duty.

“Help us to help you by following Government guidance and respecting the sea. It doesn’t matter how local or experienced you are, we know just from these last few days that – sadly – the sea can catch anybody out and be unmerciful when it does.”

Lifeguards are provided by the RNLI - which is a charity - and currently, Bournemouth East is the only beach in Dorset which has lifeguards.

Fundraising activity has been put on hold during the pandemic, but lifeboat crews continue to rescue people at sea.

People can alleviate some of the pressure on emergency services and lifesavers by not putting themselves at risk by swimming in the sea.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "We’re working hard to put on a lifeguard service as quickly as possible in the middle of a pandemic and we hope to be able to announce which (other) beaches in Dorset will have cover very soon."

You can also help to keep your family and yourself safe on lifeguarded beaches by checking tide times, leaving inflatables at home, checking your kit before you go out on the water and making sure you have means of calling for help if needed.

If you get into trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard.