Brighton RNLI volunteers rescue six people during exceptionally busy evening

The crew's first call came at 6.54pm following reports of a swimmer after a float. Thankfully, the casualty was located safe and well while snorkelling near the West Pier.

At 8.07pm, the lifeboat was diverted to four teenagers, two on stand-up paddleboards and two in the water. The group was able to make its way safely back to shore.

Just 13 minutes later, the crew responded to a man and woman, wearing only swimwear and no lifejackets, who were being pushed further out to sea beyond Palace Pier by the offshore wind. Both were brought safely ashore.

At 8.30pm, the volunteer crew rescued a kayaker whose vessel had begun to sink around half a mile offshore. The casualty was not wearing a lifejacket.

The final rescue of the evening came at around 9pm when three young women on stand-up paddleboards were spotted drifting past Palace Pier in fading light. None were wearing lifejackets and, despite their efforts, they were unable to make progress back towards the beach against the offshore wind. All three were safely brought ashore.

Charlie Dannreuther, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Brighton RNLI, said: 'This was an exceptionally busy evening for our volunteer crew, with one incident following another in quick succession.

'What linked almost every call was the strength of the offshore wind. From the beach the sea can look calm and inviting, but offshore winds can quickly carry people much further from shore than they expect.

'Several of the people we helped weren't wearing lifejackets or buoyancy aids, which significantly increases the risk if something goes wrong.

'These incidents also happened shortly after the lifeguard service had finished for the day, so we'd encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach to check when lifeguards are on duty and, wherever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

'We're delighted everyone returned safely, but these incidents are an important reminder that conditions can change very quickly. Before heading onto the water, always check the weather and wind forecast, wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, and make sure someone knows where you're going.'

Brighton RNLI is urging anyone planning to head to the coast this summer to take a few simple precautions before entering the water:

• Check the weather forecast and wind direction before heading to the beach.
• Whenever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when using a paddleboard, kayak or other small craft.
• Carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If you get into difficulty in the water, try to stay calm, float on your back and call for help if you can.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Brighton RNLI provides a 24-hour search and rescue service along the Sussex coast. Its volunteer crew are on call around the clock and the charity relies on public donations to continue saving lives at sea.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lottie Ikonen, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.