By Lynne French BBC News, Plymouth

The cost of lifeguard cover varies for individual beaches

But, as regular beach users know, even the most benign-looking waters can quickly become treacherous.

So the decision of local councils to review or even withdraw lifeguard cover at some beaches has sparked fears that lives could be lost.

And the issue of who actually owns each individual beach is muddying the waters even further.

Last year North Devon Council said it was unfair for council tax payers to pay for lifeguards on beaches at Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe, which are privately owned.

The announcement provoked criticism from surfers, watersports enthusiasts and other beach users, many of whom said lifeguards should be regarded as a public service.

One of the joys of Cornwall is the beaches... they're public beaches and it should be a public service Chris Harvey, St Ives Bay Holiday Park

A number of beaches in the region are privately-owned, but are still accessible to members of the public and the thousands of holidaymakers who contribute millions of pounds to the South West economy.

In January, Kerrier District Council in Cornwall was also criticised when it announced plans to withdraw winter lifeguards at Praa Sands near Helston and Portreath beach.

But the council said it would save �15,000 a year and people using the beach should shoulder the responsibility for their own safety.

Robert Grose, the head of service regeneration for Kerrier, told BBC News there was a review of lifeguard services for the six beaches in the council's area.

He said the council is considering asking for contributions from private beach owners for the lifeguard service it provides and if the request is refused, the council may have to consider withdrawing or reducing cover.

Funding reviews

"At the end of the day the final decision will be made by the elected members," Mr Grose said.

Some holiday park owners are worried that if the funding reviews by councils lead to lifeguard cover being withdrawn lives could be put at risk.

Chris Harvey, the owner of St Ives Bay Holiday Park and part of the beach at Hayle in Cornwall, said the vast majority of the beaches in the South West were considered public so lifeguard cover should be a public service.

He said Penwith District Council has suggested three options regarding the service - continuing it, withdrawing it, or to compromise.

Mr Harvey said: "The council says it has no legal obligation because lifeguard cover is non-statutory.

Clean and safe beaches are an essential part of tourism and should be invested in Robin Barker, from South West Tourism

"But... even if they have no legal obligation, they still have an obligation.

"One of the joys of Cornwall is the beaches. They're public beaches and it should be a public service. "

Phil Drew, the beach manager for Penwith District Council, insists all beaches in Penwith will be fully staffed until the end of the summer.

He confirmed the council is reviewing lifeguard cover as part of the local authority budget.

The cost of providing cover on Penwith's 15 beaches ranges from �7,000 to �50,000 each year.

Mr Drew said: "There's been an explosion in extreme sports, including jet skis, sand boarding and surfing and we do need some help.

Reduced cover

"Of course we have a duty, but we have a duty to look after all non-statutory services.

"I think it's reasonable to expect that people who own the beaches, or make a big profit from the people who use them, contribute to providing lifeguard cover."

The council says the National Trust and Duchy of Cornwall, which own beaches in the region, are supportive but invest any available cash back into ongoing projects.

Mr Drew said whatever the review's outcome, it is probable that from next year cover may be reduced on some beaches and strengthened on others because of varying risk factors.

Another factor for consideration is whether lifeguard cover, or the lack of it, would influence holidaymakers choosing to visit the region.