SANDOWN Town Council has presented beach manager of Sandown Lifeguard Team, Todd Miller, a commemorative mascot to recognise the team's outstanding work.

They established a crew at short notice after the Covid lockdown, and their end of season report includes details of the 536 beach-related incidents the lifeguard team responded to.

Town Mayor Paddy Lightfoot said: “The team are to be congratulated on their contribution to keeping Sandown’s beach safe.

“They have been very visible and proactive, saving the lives of a mother and young son who went out of their depth and had to be rescued, as well as other preventative actions during the summer.

“It’s really important that we support local organisations, such as the safety team, who are made up of highly trained lifeguards who have really integrated with local longshoremen and the Independent Lifeboat, and we wish to develop this structure in the coming years.”

Plans are being developed to enhance the lifeguard service by reintroducing drowning preventative initiatives, such as school talks in 2020, which will hopefully contribute to Sandown retaining its Blue Flag status.

The town council has also funded rubbish collection on the beach, installation and removal of the buoys, and have plans to reopen public toilets at Eastern Gardens.

Deputy Mayor Heather Humby said: “The response from the public has been heartening and the team, under Todd’s leadership, deserve recognition for the added safety they have brought to Sandown."