Lifeguard tips on how to stay safe by the sea

What to be careful of at the beach, what are the dangers and how to avoid or approach potential danger - advice given by beach lifeguards.

In recent years, the Bulgarian Red Cross water rescue service has reported fewer than 100 drownings and is striving to reduce casualties to a minimum. People should beach in places where there are lifeguards - whatever happens, they will be able to help, lifeguard Mario Burzacki told BNT breakfast programme "The Day Begins" on August 3.

The accidents that happen are for two reasons - overestimating one's own capabilities and underestimating the situation at sea. Going into the water, whatever waves there are, is not a problem. On land someone can always help, but in the water - not. The panic that sets in encompasses all the muscles and it is the rescuers who have the aids to assist," he commented.

He said over 80 per cent of holidaymakers underestimate the situation in the water, including not listening to lifeguards' warnings.