Donate now

RNLI advise Sussex public to stay safe this Easter during yellow weather warning

Lifeboats News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is advising the public along the Sussex coast to be aware of the yellow weather warning put in place by the Met Office.

RNLI Lifeboat speeding through a large wave during a storm

RNLI/Steven Duncombe

Eastbourne RNLI on previous Tamar class lifeboat

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for strong winds, covering much of the South Coast, with gusts up to 50mph expected as far as Eastbourne. The winds are expected to ease on Thursday evening around 6pm.

The RNLI’s volunteers are ready to respond in a moment’s notice and are trained to safely operate in all weather conditions.

For those who plan to visit the coast this easter weekend, the strong gusts pose a risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, and piers.

Vicki Linton-Crook an RNLI Water Safety Officer from Brighton RNLI says:

‘High winds mean dangerous sea conditions!

Check the weather and tide forecast and stay away from the sea at high tide. Also check your surroundings if you do go out. Storms can change the landscape of beaches, changing or damaging access points, and creating shelving beaches where you can easily lose your footing and find yourself in deep water .

Beware of large waves: even from the beach, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and drag you out to sea.

Please consider coming to the beach another day, high winds mean dangerous waves. Stay safe and keep away from the sea.

If you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

The RNLI’s advice is:

· Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges.

· Check tide times before you go.

· Take a phone with you.

· In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

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

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 144,000 lives.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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.