With temperatures soaring to around 28C, or 82.4F, RNLI lifeguards logged record numbers of 6,000 to 8,000 people on the beach between 2pm and 3pm yesterday and up to 1,000 in the sea at the same time.

Paddlers enjoyed a water temperature of around 16C, or 60.8F.

Gareth Oxley, 26, of South Cliff, has been a lifeguard for three years and says he has never seen it so busy.

He said: "Our log sheet shows it's the busiest day this year, but some of the lifeguards who have been working here for six or seven years have said it's the busiest they've ever seen it.

"We've had no rescues but a few missing children and minor first aids – it has kept us busy!"

Deckchair attendant Jess Watson, of Stepney Road, agreed. The 23-year-old said: "There are three places for deckchair hire along the beach and we all ran out at one point– it's been mad!"

Caroline White, owner of C&N Seafood next to the lifeboat house, said: "There are a lot of people here – I would expect it to get even busier for us at teatime."

Keith Nickerson, of Hull, was enjoying the sunshine with his wife, daughter and three grandchildren.

The 61-year-old park ranger said: "We thought it would be this busy with it being so sunny. The weather forecasters seem to have got it right!"

Retired pub landlady Pat Robson, 72, of South Shields, who was on a day out with former colleagues, said: "We're having a great day and everybody is enjoying themselves.The beach is a kids' paradise."

Her friend Marian Drenon, 81, of Durham, added: "We really like Scarborough."

The warm weather looks set to continue into the weekend with the possibility of showers tomorrow.