WIRRAL'S chief lifeguard is to retire after more than 40 years of helping keep the borough's beaches safe.

Tony Jones started work for the council in 1974, going on to become its Beach Lifeguard Service Manager.

In that time he has personally saved over more than two hundred lives, as well as overseeing the safety of millions of visitors to Wirral's Beach and Coastal Zone areas.

He has won numerous awards for lifesaving from the Royal Lifesaving Society, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society and even the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Tony's career in lifesaving began at the age of 14, with a weekend job working at Fort Perch Rock.

His skills as a swimmer for the county came in hand when he was called to rescue swimmers who had gotten into trouble after the serving Beach Patrol had gone home for the day.

He was awarded his first Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Award for the rescue.

Tony joined the authority's baths and recreation department in 1974, under the stewardship of ex-Olympic swimmer Brian Barnes.

He quickly qualified as an advanced teacher for swimming, diving and lifesaving before became Wirral's chief lifeguard in 1989.

Alongside his work for the authority he became a member of his local lifeboat crew, going on to become a helmsman and braving horrendous conditions around the coast.

His expertise has been recognised at a national level with membership of the National Lifeguard and Rescue Committee and by becoming Chair of the National Beach Advisory Group.

Tony said: "I'm not exactly choosing the usual retirement – no pipe and slippers with the occasional holiday abroad for me.

"I've recently been appointed the Chairperson of the New Brighton Lifeboat Management Group and will continue to judge lifesavers, to make sure my skills and knowledge are passed on to generations to come.

"It is so important that these things are accepted as life skills and not just associated with swimming and aquatics.

"I'm also pushing for defibrillators to be available in all schools and public buildings."

Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: "It's always sad to see someone as experienced and well-respected as Tony leave the authority.

"Tony has shown incredible commitment over many years to ensuring the safety of Wirral’s residents and to the thousands who flock to our beaches and coastal areas every year.

"I'm certain he will continue to work tirelessly towards saving lives in his new endeavours."