Busy Easter weekend for Brighton RNLI

Brighton’s in-shore lifeboat Random Harvest launched at 12.50am on Good Friday (April 15) to assist Sussex Police in helping to get a man out of the water opposite a seafront club.

Fortunately, the man was already exiting the water when the crew arrived and there was no assistance needed.

On Saturday (April 16) the lifeboat launched at 8.55pm to concerns a male may be missing in the water. A search was carried out between the West Pier and Hove Lagoon before the crew received confirmation the man was safe and well.

This was volunteer Mat Humphrey’s first shout as Helm and also trainee crew member Rhiannon Darling’s first launch.

Mat, who works as an artist and board game designer, said: ‘On April 14 I qualified as a Helm, following six years as part of the RNLI crew.

‘It's a role that I feel comfortable in, as the training I've received has been absolutely incredible.

‘In fact the support I get from the crew and the management goes far beyond just what is required on the boat. It's a family that looks out for each other on a daily basis.

‘I've been to sea in dark storms, towed stricken vessels, pulled drowning people out from treacherous waves and even dangled from a helicopter winch over the sea.

‘It's been an amazing journey - but the most emotional aspect for me, is to truly feel like I am part of a team.

‘As the Easter weekend shows, you never know what you are going to get called out to but we are always prepared to do the best we can in every situation to achieve our ultimate aim of saving lives at sea.’

The final launch of the long weekend was at 5.53pm on Monday (April 18) along with Shoreham RNLI all weather lifeboat and the Coastguard to reports of a missing swimmer.

Following an extensive four-hour search of the area, it was confirmed by Sussex Police that this was a false report.

Brighton lifeboat operations manager Roger Cohen said: ‘As the weather warms up we expect to welcome more people to our coastline.

‘Whilst we want people to enjoy themselves and have fun, it is also important to respect the water and do your research. The RNLI has some great tips on its website for people thinking of taking on any water-based activities including; always checking the forecast and tide times and always having a means of communications with you.

‘If you are planning on swimming in the sea stick to the area between the red and yellow flags.

‘In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Notes to editors

There are several beach ‘pop ups’ taking place over the next couple of weekends where you can find out more about beach safety. These are on Saturday 23 April at the King Alfred car park 10am-3pm and Saturday 30 April in front of Rampion Arches i360 area 11am-4pm.

For more information please contact volunteer lifeboat press officer Hatti Mellor on 07724 801305, [email protected] or the regional media officer Paul Dunt on 07785 296252 [email protected]

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.

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 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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.