There are four lifeguards to patrol a three-mile stretch of sand

Holiday-makers want to see more lifeguards on Lincolnshire's beaches, following two deaths in the water.

Liam Geary, aged 10, from Burton Upon Trent, was swimming near the Sea Life Centre in Mablethorpe when he got into difficulties on Saturday afternoon.

He was pulled from the water by two members of the public and was airlifted to hospital but was found to be dead on arrival.

On Friday, Stephen Ray, 42, from Spalding was swept off his feet by the current, and died.

Vigilance urged

There are just four lifeguards to patrol the three-mile long stretch of sand, which they do on foot and using a four-by-four vehicle.

The local council decided some time ago to increase the number of lifeguards on patrol there - but this will not happen until next summer.

Coast guards have warned swimmers to be extra vigilant, but holidaymakers in Mablethorpe said they wanted more protection on the beach.

One mother said: "There definitely ought to be somebody watching - there's children down there on their own, so you've got to watch them all the time."