The developments come as a safety precaution for French police, after a policeman and his partner were murdered in their home outside of Paris earlier this month, and follows last year's terror attacks in the French capital.
"This is the first time that these officers will be armed. Normally throughout July and August they are in their swim suits and unarmed," said SGP-FO police union representative Nicolas Comte.
#France remains under a State of Emergency after Paris attacks more than 90,000 police, soldiers and private guards deployed at #EURO2016
— Being Yakin ® (@VAyakin) June 10, 2016
Selected beach patrol officers will have the right to carry guns at some of France's busiest beaches, a measure Comte says is necessary to "ensure their safety."
"We can see these days that the police are the target of terrorists, but this is also to ensure the police are ready to respond in the event of an armed attack," he said.
"This is a win-win situation for everyone. It means that there are people to provide security for everyone when they are on the beach."
Concerns Over Guns on the Beach
The announcement has raised concerns that beach-goers might be out off by seeing armed officers patrol the French coast, however Comte moved to allay concerns, saying the guns would be held in special cases adapted the officers' swimwear.
"Holidaymakers will not see police in heavy armor, they will see lifeguards," he said.
French policemen now authorises to keep their gun out of duty, #Paris #France #security
— Melissa Chemam (@melissachemam) November 19, 2015
The development is just one of many security concerns to be introduced in the wake of November's Paris terror attacks.
You think your freedom of movement is safe? France has denied many British citizens entry during the state of emergency. Imagine post-exit.
— Wail Qasim (@WailQ) June 23, 2016
French officials declared in a state of emergency following the attacks, which gave police and security officials more powers while on duty.
Although the state of emergency is set to expire at the end of July, government officials said it would continue to allow police officers to carry arms with them at all times, even while off duty.
