The pebbles of Southsea beach might be rather less glamorous than the white sands of California, but the job which the 40 lifeguards carry out in Portsmouth is no less important.

Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards, a charitable organisation, patrols Southsea beach every weekend from the beginning of May to the end of September.

During the school holidays its lifeguards patrol the beach seven days a week.

Anne White, chairman of Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards, said: 'We provide all our own uniforms and training through fundraising.

'All the lifeguards and volunteers give up their own time to make sure people are safe on the beach and in the water.

'Any sort of thank-you, like a We Can Do It award, would be absolutely wonderful for them as they would know they are giving up their time and people really appreciate it.'

The lifeguards are looking to gain momentum with plans to build a new headquarters on Southsea beach.

They have already raised about £100,000 to go towards the new centre, which would replace the existing one near the war memorial on Southsea Common.

Anne said: 'Our current centre is well past its sell-by date, so once we get planning permission from the council we will have a push to raise funds to go towards the new headquarters.

'We will need to hold some big events because it will probably cost about three or four times the amount we have already raised.'

Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards is always looking for new members to help patrol the beach.

Regular training sessions are held every Tuesday evening at Victoria Swimming Centre in Anglesea Road, Portsmouth, between 8pm and 10pm all year round.

During July and August beach training is held at the HQ in Southsea from 6.30pm to 10pm.

If you would like to find out more about joining the organisation, either as a lifeguard or as a fundraiser, contact the lifeguards on 02392 820985 or e-mail info@portsmouthlifeguards.org