I agree to your statement Neil, that hopefully our beaches are safer with Lifeguards on,when they are doing their duty,but dont forget the councils (taxpayers) pay for them and the RNLI,who you know I support wholeheartedly supply them with the best equipment available.DIDNT THEY LEAVE ONE OF THEIR 4 WHEEL DRIVES TO GET COVERED,AND WRECKED BY THE SEA RECENTLY? A couple of years ago someone in Cornwall almost lost their life, because the duty Lifeguard was "rescuing" a very attractive young lady in a cave? Most of the day they are playing beach bums and laying about on the beach chatting up the girls,or if not "patrolling" (joyriding???) on that top equipment?
The point is, they are being PAID,whereas our Lifeboatment,risk life and limb,to rescue stupid and unlucky people alike, but do it Voluntarily ?