Lifeguards are back on duty at four local beaches after Hurricane Erin, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment advised.

A spokesman said normal lifeguard service has resumed at John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach, Horseshoe Bay and Turtle Beach as of 10.30am.

However, the spokesman said sea conditions remained hazardous in the wake of the hurricane, which passed about 370 miles northwest of Bermuda at 7pm yesterday.

He added: “Although some improvement has been observed on parts of the South Shore, high-surf warning signs remain in place island-wide.

“At Horseshoe Bay, the red flag is flying, indicating the presence of dangerous surf and rip current conditions.”

The spokesman strongly discouraged people from entering the water and said the high-surf signs would come down as the seas calm in coming days.

The Ministry of National Security said on Tuesday that lifeguard service at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay had been suspended owing to hazardous conditions, but remained at calmer areas of Turtle Beach and Clearwater Beach.

The spokesman concluded: “As always, the Department of Parks’ lifeguard service urges the public to consult the official forecasts of the Bermuda Weather Service before going in or near the ocean.”