 Woolacombe is one of the privately-owned beaches |
Some Devon beaches could be left without lifeguards after a council decided not to renew a �150,000 contract. The move follows a row over who should pay for the safety of bathers at Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton.
It ends a commitment by North Devon District Council to provide guards at privately-owned beaches.
Christie Estates, which owns Saunton beach, believes the decision will seriously compromise people's safety.
Commercial organisations
Councillors have said they will consider supporting some owners who take on their own lifeguards.
The main beaches of Croyde, Woolacombe, Saunton, Putsbrough and Instow are all privately-owned commercial organisations.
Councillors say it is unfair to other beach owners to pay for lifeguards out of public money.
Owners will now have to consider hiring lifeguards themselves and a Christie Estates spokesman said a lifeguard club at Saunton will offer some help.
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