Brighton RNLI urges beachgoers to stay vigilant
With sea temperatures beginning to drop and beaches still busy with families, Brighton RNLI is issuing a reminder to all beachgoers to stay safe.
Initial reports suggested the individual was struggling to return to shore. Upon arrival, the crew found the casualty safely ashore but suffering from the effects of cold water exposure.
The casualty was quickly assisted with a blanket provided by the Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team and was confirmed to be well.
'As summer ends, the sea can still be deceptively cold, especially if you're not prepared,' said Vicki Linton-Crook, part of the RNLI Water Safety team. 'Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard by cold water shock. We urge everyone to be cautious and to recognise that as the days shorten, so does the warmth in the water.'
On Sunday evening, the crew were paged again at 6.32pm to assist in the search for a missing four-year-old boy on Brighton beach. The child had become separated from his family during a busy time on the beach.
Brighton RNLI, along with Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard and multiple police units, conducted a thorough search from Brighton Palace Pier to the Marina.
The child was eventually found by police, walking east, and was safely reunited with his family.
'We're thankful this incident had a positive outcome, but it serves as a stark reminder to parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children, especially on busy beaches,' said Roger Cohen MBE, operations manager for Brighton RNLI.
'Children can become disoriented or wander off in seconds, which is why it's crucial to maintain constant supervision.'
RNLI advice for beach safety
- Cold water safety: As temperatures drop, be aware of the risks of cold water shock. If you find yourself in trouble, try to float on your back and keep calm until help arrives
- Child safety: Always keep a close eye on your children, especially in crowded areas. Designate a meeting point if they become separated, and consider using wristbands with contact details
- General beach safety: Swim between the red and yellow flags, follow the advice of lifeguards, and be aware of changing tides
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 142,700 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.
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.