ON sunny weekends, when it can seem as though most of the world is relaxing on the beach, there are some people who are working harder than ever.

Among them are those who are dedicated to rescuing other people in trouble off our shores.

Her Majesty’s Coastguard and the Poole-based RNLI both have their origins in the 19th century. One is funded by the taxpayer, the other is a charity, but both were originally set up mainly to deal with the threat of shipwrecks. These days, however, they’re less likely to be dealing with wrecks than aiding people who have got into difficulties through their leisure pursuits, from swimming to jetskiing and from diving to yachting.

The collection of stories in today’s Daily Echo about rescues on and off the water gives provides a reminder of just how grateful we should be for their existence.