Carbis Bay beach near St Ives is owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel.

It says it has been unsuccessful in getting a guard because of shortages of experienced staff and the number of opportunities elsewhere in the county.

It hopes a partnership deal can be arranged with Penwith District Council to get a beach lifeguard next season.

Many don't yet have the experience or know-how of how to deal with busy times Phil Drew, Penwith District Council

Hotel manager Steven Baker said he was disappointed he was unable to find a lifeguard to patrol the beach this summer.

He said: "We face a number of problems, including finding a qualified beach lifeguard who wants to work for such a short remainder of the season."

The council is also having some problems with lifeguard staff.

Penwith District Council's chief lifeguard, Phil Drew, handles a beach safety budget of just over �400,000 a year. At the height of the season, half of that sum goes on wages for his 50 lifeguards - if he can find them.

He said: "Across the board we are really struggling to find decent staff.

"There are a lot of people out there who are qualified as far as the Beach Lifeguard Award is concerned, but many don't yet have the experience or know-how of how to deal with busy times."

"We are actively looking at all avenues of funding and finding staff."