Kerrier Council has two lifeguards at Praa Sands near Helston and Portreath beach at weekends and school holidays.

The authority says it may have to withdraw the part-time guards to keep down council tax. It says �15,000 a year would be saved.

People from the surfing community are opposing the move, fearing it could cost lives.

But the authority argues that people using the beach should shoulder the responsibility for their safety.