RNLI lifeguards are back patrolling a private beach in South East Cornwall despite an ongoing wrangle between the charity and chalet owners.
Lifeguards ceased keeping watch over Tregonhawke beach, Whitsand Bay, amid an 18-month row with Tregonhawke Cliff Chalet Owners Association Ltd (TCCOA) over the lease of a hut the RNLI had used.
Cornwall Council had held the lease but surrendered it.
RNLI chiefs used a temporary gazebo but TCCOA, who did not object to their presence, said they could not allow it because of insurance problems covering liability if anyone was injured.
The association wants the RNLI to indemnify TCCOA Ltd against any liability.
Yesterday Cornwall Council stepped-in and said the RNLI could set-up a gazebo on land outside TCCOA control and resume patrols.
Meanwhile negotiations between the charity and chalet owners will continue.
The deadlock was broken after a child was seriously injured last weekend.
Steve Instance, RNLI lifeguard inspector, said: "We are delighted to see our lifeguards back on Tregonhawke providing a vital lifesaving service to visitors and locals alike on this extremely popular beach.
"The charity has assured the association that it would not be responsible for the RNLI's undertakings on the beach. Although the RNLI hasn't yet reached a permanent resolution with the TCCOA to operate from the beach lifeguard unit, this interim solution to run the service from a gazebo will ensure the beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards for the remainder of the busy summer season."
