Brighton Lifeboat assist family cut-off by the tide

Brighton lifeboat were launched at 12:30 following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public, who could see a family cut off by the tide just east of Saltdean beach.

On arrival the volunteer crew noticed that a father, his little girl and their dog were currently stuck on the rocks with the incoming tide rising.

Due to the location of the casualties and the uneven rocky edge underneath the water, helmsman Daniel Gurr made the decision to send one of the volunteer crew ashore to asses the situation and look for alternative routes for the family to get to safety.

With the assistance of volunteer Newhaven Coastguard team the family of 3 were safely negotiated around the rocks to safety.

Helmsman Daniel Gurr said ‘it is important when you visit the beach that you are aware of the tide times and your surroundings, and it is quite easy to get carried away with enjoying yourself down the beach before realising you’re in danger. You can easily access tide times online.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 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.