Lifeguards could be stationed at Camber Sands following the deaths of five young men from south-east London.

8,000 people have signed a petition calling for the East Sussex beach to be patrolled during the summer months.

Kenugen Saththiyanathan, 18, known as Ken, and his brother Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan, 22, known as Kobi, from Erith, died in the sea on August 24.

Their friends Nitharsan Ravi, 22, from Plumstead, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, 23, from Essex, and Gurushanth Srithavarajah, 27, from Welling also died.

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Camber Sands at low tide

Relatives of some of the men criticised the lack of lifeguards at Camber Sands and suggested they may have stood a chance of survival if the beach had been manned.

A safety review is under way by Rother District Council which said all options were being considered, including a lifeguard service, but also stressed a decision had not been reached.

After the Camber tragedy, the RNLI provided a temporary lifeguard team at Camber Sands but confirmed no lifeguard service has been agreed for 2017.

Some local residents said money raised through car parking charges should fund the lifeguard service.

A council spokesman said: "In light of recent tragic events and the changing profile of visitors to the beach, we are in the process of reviewing and considering all options for next year, including the provision of a lifeguard service.”

On what was the hottest day of the year, the group of friends travelled from London to the south coast to enjoy the beach.

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Nitharsan Ravi from Plumstead (c.) PA/PA Wire.

Nitharsan’s younger sibling, Ajirthan, 19, said his brother had died trying to rescue two of his friends trapped under the water.

It is believed Ken and Inthushan were pulled into the sea by a rip current when the other three attempted to save them.

A Hindu funeral ceremony took place at Winn's Common in King's Highway on September 4.

To view the petition click here.