RNLI Lifeguards back on duty across Brighton & Hove beaches this summer

From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 06 September, RNLI beach lifeguards will patrol, seven days a week between 10am and 6pm at the following beaches:

· Dukes Mound

· Palace Pier East

· Palace Pier West

· West Street/Seafront office

· West Pier/Bandstand

· Hove Lawns

Please note that RNLI lifeguards will return service to Saltdean, Rottingdean and West Hove/Lagoon later in the season, from 18 July to 06 September.

RNLI lifeguards have been keeping our beaches safer since 2001, providing critical support to coastal communities and their visitors, and delivering world class lifesaving. Figures show that in 2025, RNLI lifeguards saved 16 lives across the South East of England, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.

The RNLI is a charity that depends on donations to fund the lifeguards’ kit and training. Before a lifeguard sets foot on a beach, they take part in months of training. From a rigorous fitness test to learning vital casualty care skills, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment in order to save lives at the beach.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Tom Ward, said: ‘It's fantastic to have our RNLI lifeguards back on the beaches in Brighton, ready for the season ahead. Over the past few weeks, the team has been busy training both in the water and on casualty care skills to ensure they are well prepared for the season ahead.

‘We encourage anyone visiting the beach to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Come and speak to the lifeguards for advice on local conditions and how to stay safe in the water.

‘This year also marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguard service and we’d like to thank all those whose commitment, training and hard work have helped to keep our beaches safer.’

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: ‘We are pleased to welcome back the RNLI Lifeguards to our famous beaches.

‘Working alongside our brilliant full time Seafront Rangers and Coordinators, the RNLI Lifeguards will bring specialist knowledge, training and experience to ensure that the thousands of people who visit our beaches this summer can return home safe and sound.

‘Unlike many beaches, where you can gradually enter the water, Brighton & Hove’s steep shingle shoreline can make entering and exiting difficult especially at high water. This, combined with strong winds can increase the risk of being swept out to sea unexpectedly.

‘When you visit Brighton & Hove Seafront. Always choose a lifeguarded beach and do speak to them for advice on tide and weather conditions on the day.

‘We want residents and visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time and make memories that they can take home with them. Working with the RNLI gives us the expert support and local presence we need to help make that happen.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.  

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for South East, [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.