Hundreds of children may have to go without their local open-air swimming pool due to a lack of lifeguards.

Every summer when the weather is good, more than 100 children a day use Woodingdean Swimming Pool.

But this could be the first time in 24 years it is closed during the summer.

There are still no lifeguards in place for the season, just a fortnight before the pool is due to open.

European regulations insist at least two lifeguards are on duty each day at the pool in Warren Road but none of the lifeguards who have helped out before are available.

Theresa Andrews, one of the pool's fund-raisers, said: "We desperately need help. It has been a real struggle finding qualified lifeguards this year.

"If we can't get anyone, the pool can't open, it's as simple as that.

"It would be a real loss. Every year the pool is very well-used, even on the duller summer days.

"There is not much else for kids to do in Woodingdean."

Sara Kensett, of Bernard Avenue, Woodingdean, said her children, Ryan, 13, and Jordan, nine, loved the pool.

She said: "It would be a terrible disappointment if we didn't have it this year.

"During the school holidays you know your kids can go there and be safe and have a great time. There is a really good atmosphere there."

The pool is due to open for the summer on July 1.

Its operation is kept going by a team of fund-raising volunteers, including Mrs Andrews, her sister Elaine Tolhurst and her niece Alicia Tolhurst.

Proceeds from the annual Woodingdean carnival go towards the pool's running costs.

Mrs Andrews first got involved when she was carnival queen in 1989.

She said: "It's always a real battle to keep it going because there isn't much help available in terms of grants."

Any qualified lifeguards who can help should contact Alicia Tolhurst on 07901 900216 or Elaine Tolhurst on 01273 683448.