Brighton RNLI issue advice ahead of summer beach events
With thousands expected to attend different events on the beach this summer, Brighton RNLI is reminding everyone how to stay safe.
This week will see Fatboy Slim perform at a beach concert and August will see Brighton Pride return for the first time since 2019.
Brighton RNLI is urging the public to respect the water and take care if they are heading to the coast.
The volunteer crew has stressed the need to check tide times and keep an eye on surroundings. For those who live further from the coast, it can be a real shock to see how quickly the sea comes in and every year, the RNLI is called to rescue many people who’ve been cut off by the tide.
Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Cohen MBE said: ‘We want to make sure everyone makes it home safe this summer.
‘Water temperatures still feel on the chilly side if you’re not acclimatised to sea-swimming and even at the height of summer, cold-water shock is still a real risk for those who’ve not planned to enter the sea.
'Drinking alcohol can increase that risk so I’d strongly encourage people NOT to try to swim after a few beers.
'We really want everyone to have a great time this summer on Brighton’s beaches after a couple of years of lockdown and travel disruption but a great day out can quickly turn into a tragedy so please look after each other and if you see anyone in trouble in the water, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.’
Our key safety advice is:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach & swim between the red and yellow flags- Check the weather forecast, tide times and read hazard signage to understand local risks
- If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about
- Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
For more information and advice about staying safe, visit: https://rnli.org/youth-education/education-resources/videos/safe-near-the-water
RNLI media contact
For more information please contact Lottie Ikonen on 07576 870 669.
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.