A plan to withdraw police officers from lifeguard duty on French beaches is facing fierce opposition by mayors concerned about public safety and terrorism.

For six decades, strapping riot police standing in as lifeguards have been a reassuring presence on French beaches.

But many have been stood down in recent years and the rest are due to be pulled back indefinitely amid Emmanuel Macron's budget cuts.

Many mayors and MPs fear a potential increase in the already high summer average of three drownings a day, blamed on bathing in unsupervised areas and poor swimming skills. They also argue that holidaymakers would be left more vulnerable to troublemakers or terrorists.

After a string of attacks in France, CRS riot police in 2016 began bringing their guns while on lifeguard duty at France’s busiest resorts during les grandes vacances in July and August.