LIFEBOAT crew’s on the Sunshine Coast were kept busy this summer as tourists flocked to Tendring’s beaches.

The region’s 15 lifeboat stations were called out a total of 571 times last year to a wide range of incidents including commercial vessels in trouble, distressed fishermen, swimmers, and leisure marine users.

Figures show Harwich RNLI was called to 84 incidents in 2013, during which 80 people were rescued.

Paul Smith, coxswain at Harwich RNLI, said: “Our job continues to be of high importance.

“The crew continue to train to improve the service and the RNLI are continuously trying to improve their kits and boats.”