In July 2017 Alexandra Ma reported that just over half of bathing spots along England's coast have no lifeguards on duty over the summer.
BBC England's data unit analysed a list of beaches patrolled by lifeguards, RNLI and otherwise, using data provided by the RNLI, the Beach Guide and local councils' websites, as of 7 July 2017.
The list was compared to the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs' list of designated bathing waters in England, with inland waters - such as Lake Windermere and Hampstead Heath in London - stripped out.
- Google sheet: bathing water locations and numbers of lifeguards
- Infographic: Water-related deaths in England