There will be no lifeguard service at West Kirby beach for the moment, after the RNLI paused the rollout of patrols due to coronavirus restrictions.
It follows the Government’s instruction for people to stay at home and avoid gathering outdoors.
In Wirral, beaches at West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, The Plateaux and New Brighton were due to be patrolled from 4 April.
The RNLI says the decision has been taken to ensure lifeguards adhere to the Government’s instructions to limit contact between people and encourage the public to do the same.
Lifeguards work and train in groups, which makes keeping the requirement to remain two metres apart difficult and the nature of their work with the public puts them – and beach visitors – at risk of close contact.
And encouraging people to visit patrolled beaches and swim in certain areas would go against the Government’s clear instruction for people to stay at home, maintain social distancing and not congregate in groups.
The RNLI is asking everyone to carefully consider the need to go to visit the beach, the coast or go into the water in case they get into difficulty.
Lifeboat stations in West Kirby and Hoylake remain in service.