They have the costumes, the finely-honed bodies and the tans to match their Californian counterparts.

Now lifeguards will have similar transport to rescue people as Baywatch stars Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff.

Lifeguards in Eastbourne can cut a swathe through the sea at 60mph after taking delivery of a £7,000 water craft yesterday.

The three-seat Virage 700cc will be used during summer months to help the 13 lifeguards patrol an area from the Wish Tower to the pier.

With its sleek design and inboard engine, the Virage, which comes fully equipped with flares, first aid kit, buoys and spray jacket, will reduce the time it takes to reach people who need assistance.

Paul Aston, 25, beach operations manager, said: "It's the ultimate lifeguarding equipment available.

"It will cut our response times drastically, meaning we will be able to get out to someone stranded anywhere on Eastbourne beach within minutes.

"It can be launched by one person, instead of two, which you have to do with the ribs and basically will greatly-improve the safety on Eastbourne beach altogether.

"Beaches in Hawaii, Australia and America have been using them for a number of years and now we've got one here. I think we are the only lifeguard station in East Sussex to have one."

Nine lifeguards will undertake a day of training tomorrow to bring them up to standard competency before the Virage becomes fully operational next week.

Lifeguard Garry Cairns, 21, said: "It's going to be brilliant. I can't wait to get myself behind one."

It is moored on a purpose-built Hydroport platform amid around 600 vessels at Sovereign Harbour, where it will be securely berthed overnight.

The Virage, formerly known as a personal water craft, will be on loan for the next two months but it is hoped to be bought permanently by the end of September with funds raised through appeals.

It has been jointly sponsored by Sovereign Harbour Marina and partner firms Eastbourne Automarine, Sovereign Sportsboat Training and E P Barrus.

Marina operations manager Dan Hughes said: "A craft of such high calibre is an important asset for the lifeguards.

"It will help them to give a much quicker response in an emergency, which will help maintain a high level of safety in the water."

Ron Cussons, Eastbourne Borough Council's director of tourism, leisure and amenities, said: "We are very luck to have this in Eastbourne."

Anyone able to help with fund-raising to purchase the craft should call Robin Hathaway on 01323 470009.