By Jim Hislop

HUNDREDS OF bathers are risking their lives—and causing headaches for Broughty Ferry beach lifeguards—by swimming and paddling outwith the designated safety zone.

After receiving calls from several concerned readers, a Courier reporter visited the beach yesterday afternoon, when the beach was at its busiest.

Inside the safety zone—marked by bright red buoys—only a handful of people were swimming or paddling, in front of the watchful eye of the lifeguards in their observation post.

But on either side of the zone scores of adults and youngsters, some unaccompanied, were splashing out into the Tay, seemingly regardless of the treacherous currents and shifting sands that can place someone in mortal danger within seconds.

A young non-swimmer happily paddling away could suddenly find themselves literally out of their depth.

The Dundee City Council lifeguards not only find themselves having to watch the safety zone but constantly looking up and down the beach to ensure no one is in trouble.

Just two weeks ago a 12-year-old boy had to be rescued by two teenagers when his inflatable dinghy was swept away from the shore by the strong flood tide off Broughty Castle.

Leisure, arts and communities committee convener Richard McCready said, “The designated area has been created specifically for the protection of people who wish to swim safely in the Tay at Broughty Ferry.

“Anyone who chooses not to use it, or ignores the highly visible warning signs, is potentially putting themselves in danger and does so at their own risk.”

The designated safe swimming zone was introduced in 2003 as part of the measures needed to be included in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Seaside Award Scheme.

A council spokesperson said yesterday, “The beach was again included in the scheme this year thanks to water quality and good litter management procedures, information provision for beach users and safety measures being in place.

“The award recognises the excellent beach management by Dundee City Council and the local community.

“The zone was created in an attempt to keep swimmers away from the dangerously fast moving currents caused by Broughty Castle point.

“These are extremely strong as the tides turn.

“There are three lifeguards at the designated area, with any two on duty at any one time.

“They operate between 10am and 7pm.”