RNLI lifeguards have returned to Brighton & Hove beaches for the summer safety season, patrolling from 23 May to 6 September. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution teams will be on duty daily from 10am to 6pm at key popular spots including Dukes Mound, Palace Pier, West Street, West Pier, Bandstand, Hove Lawns, and King Alfred.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey, emphasised the essential role lifeguards play alongside Seafront Rangers in protecting beachgoers during the busy summer months. She noted the challenges posed by the area’s steep shingle coastline and strong tides, which make lifeguard presence crucial for visitor safety.
In addition to the main season patrols, RNLI lifeguard teams will return later this summer to Saltdean, Rottingdean, and West Hove/Lagoon from 18 July to 6 September. These additional patrols aim to extend safety coverage to more local beaches as visitor numbers increase throughout July and August.
Councillor Bella Sankey issued a safety warning to visitors about the hidden dangers of Brighton & Hove’s steep shingle shoreline and strong tides, especially during high tide. She urged everyone to always swim at lifeguarded beaches and to seek advice about current water conditions to avoid risks when entering or leaving the sea.
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Tom Ward confirmed that RNLI teams recently completed in-water training and casualty care refresher courses in preparation for the season launch. He reminded beach users to swim between the red and yellow flags, monitor weather, tides, and local warnings, follow water sport safety guidance, and always carry a way to call for help.
The RNLI stressed that in any emergency, the public should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Funded by donations, the charity remains a vital lifeline for coastal safety, saving lives and responding to thousands of incidents across the South East every year.
Originally published by UKNIP.
