Struggling swimmers had to be dragged to safety by lifeguards after Tropical Storm Arlene brought treacherous surf to Bermuda's south shore coastline.

Three bathers had to be rescued by lifeguards on Horseshoe Bay yesterday, with another dozen being plucked to safety on Tuesday afternoon.

The swimmers ran into difficulties after dangerous rip tides, caused by the oncoming Tropical Storm Arlene, swept them out to sea.

Senior lifeguard Richard Forehead confirmed that three of the victims were in serious danger of drowning before finally being rescued.

And he warned even capable swimmers to keep out of South Shore waters until the storm had passed.

Yesterday an extra lifeguard was on duty at the beach to cope with the conditions. Despite the danger and a caution flag flying at the beach, dozens of sun seekers were still splashing about in the surf yesterday afternoon.

"I wouldn't advise anyone to go into the sea on the South Shore over the next couple of days,'' Mr. Forehead said.

"Even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer, you can still get into trouble with these rip tides.'' Mr. Forehead explained that while the currents were not dragging people under water, they were sweeping them 50 to 75 metres out to sea, causing some bathers to start panicking.

"That's when they start getting into trouble,'' he said.

None of the 15 swimmers needed further medical treatment once they were back on dry land.

"Three of them were in a pretty desperate situation, but most of them just needed guiding back in,'' Mr. Forehead said.

"Although the sea's not too rough, it's very unusual for it to be like this at this time of year. It's all because of the tropical storm. But I expect it will be like a sheet of glass again once it passes in the next couple of days.'' Although their were no reports of swimmers having difficulties on any other beach, Mr. Forehead suggested that bathers opt for the more protected North Shore beaches while the storm remains in the area.

Despite the scare, forecasters were last night predicting that the storm would not come as close to Bermuda as first feared.

As the skies blackened and winds picked up noticeably last night, the eye of the storm was still more than 100 miles to the south of the Island at latitude 31.9 degrees north and 62.7 degrees longitude west. Winds were gusting at around 50 knots, but were expected to reduce to between 35 and 45 knots by the time Arlene reached its closest point of approach, 92 nautical miles east northeast of Bermuda, in the early hours of this morning.

Few problems expected from diminishing tropical storm Despite the diminishing threat, emergency services were at action stations last night should the storm suddenly shift course.

The Emergency Measures Organisation met yesterday afternoon to consider the Island's security in the wake of the approaching weather.

A spokesman for the organisation later confirmed that most services, including buses and schools, will continue normally today.

Flights to and from Bermuda's airport are also expected to get off the ground, although the spokesman warned there could be disruptions to some ferry services because of rough seas.

Passengers on board the four cruise liners visiting the Island this week had their holidays cut short. All four vessels, which were due to stay in port until today or tomorrow, made a dash for home yesterday in a bid to escape the looming storm.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda Electric Light Company also confirmed that the company was ready should any power lines be ripped down in strong winds.

Earlier this week the company carried out an inventory of poles and transformers, and also checked vehicles to make sure they are fuelled and contained all the necessary equipment.

Last night engineers were standing by to be dispatched to various sub stations throughout the Island as needed.

"For safety reasons our engineers don't work outside during storm conditions,'' spokeswoman Robin McPhee said yesterday.