Lifeguards have started training before their deployment for the summer season at a popular south coast beach where seven men drowned last year.

The RNLI ran through mock scenarios at Camber Sands, where they will be stationed, starting from May 27 until the end of the summer holidays.

The qualified beach lifeguards started a two-week induction today that covers advanced first aid, search and rescue techniques and local risks and hazards.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Joe Mitchell said: "Lifeguards have a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a high level of fitness, and we have a great team ready to patrol Camber Sands.

"They've already completed a high standard of training and fitness tests, and these next two weeks are about really familiarising themselves with this beach."

Rother District Council agreed in February to allocate £51,000 to bring in seasonal lifeguard cover following demands for safety to be increased.

The calls followed the deaths of seven men last summer at Camber Sands - which can attract up to 30,000 day-trippers during peak season.

Rother District Council officials have said the beach, which is three miles long and up to 700m wide at low tide, can never be completely risk-free but they were determined to boost safety.

Four lifeguards will patrol Camber Sands Central from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week from May 27 to October 1.

A further two lifeguards will patrol Camber Sands West during the same times from July 8 to September 10, the RNLI said.

In previous years, the council provided a beach patrol service.

This year's RNLI lifeguards will work alongside the beach patrol following a formal request from the council.