End of the busy summer season for RNLI lifeguards in West Sussex and Hampshire

RNLI lifeguards in West Sussex and Hampshire are reflecting on a busy and exceptionally warm season, during which they helped keep hundreds of thousands of beachgoers safe through preventative measures, rescues, delivery of first aid and casualty care. RNLI lifeguards also reunited lost children with their families, delivered water safety sessions in schools and helped save lives at sea.

RNLI lifeguards will finish their service on West Sussex and Hampshire beaches on Sunday 6 September, before returning next year.

The RNLI is encouraging beachgoers to choose lifeguarded beaches wherever possible. If you plan to visit the coast outside of the lifeguard season, follow water safety advice and remember the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance:

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to…

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Try to relax and control your breathing

· Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat

· Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or swim to safety

RNLI lifeguard lead for West Sussex and Hampshire, Sydney Horsted said: ‘Lifeguards across West Sussex and Hampshire have worked tirelessly this season during the UK’s hottest summer on record. We have seen sustained high visitor numbers, particularly at Littlehampton East Beach, since the season started in May. It has been particularly challenging for the lifeguard team dealing with high numbers of incidents whilst also working outside in consistently high temperatures. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment to keeping the public safe over the last few months, showing exemplary resilience, professionalism and courage throughout. They have saved multiple lives, performed countless rescues and assists, provided high level casualty care to those in need, reunited multitudes of children with parents/guardians and dealt with all other incidents that come their way. As the lifeguard season comes to a close, we reflect with great pride on the work that has been done this year. Lifeguards will return again in Spring 2027, in the meantime if you see anyone in difficulty in the sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

During the off-season, RNLI lifeboat stations remain a 24-hour search and rescue service operation from 238 stations around the UK and Ireland.

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands 

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.