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Brighton RNLI issue warning after two callouts to intoxicated people in the sea

Lifeboats News Release

Brighton RNLI is urging the public to respect the water and not go into the sea after drinking alcohol after two recent callouts.

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Brighton RNLI pictured in 2022
The volunteer crew were paged at 7.10pm on Wednesday after several members of the public called 999 reporting concerns for a swimmer.

The man was reported to be 100 metres offshore from the Banjo Groyne.

On arrival, the crew found the man had been recovered by a passer-by to the beach. They were told he had consumed alcohol so an ambulance was called, and the lifeboat was stood down.

The second callout came at 7.25pm on Sunday.

There were concerns for the safety of two intoxicated males in the water between the two piers. The crew arrived on scene to find the men out of the water and with friends.

Brighton RNLI 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.’

Around 1 in 8 coastal deaths in the UK involve alcohol, and it is a contributing factor in many more water-related incidents.

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

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, Twitter 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.

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