Brighton & Hove’s lifeguards will take up their posts on our beaches this weekend, kicking off the summer season.
Last year, our lifeguards responded to over 60 major incidents resulting in 30 lives saved and helped reunite over 90 missing people.
The new recruits will be joining the council’s Seafront Team to help millions of visitors enjoy a safe and enjoyable time on the beach this summer.
The lifeguards will patrol the city’s beaches from Saturday 25 May. When the school summer holidays begin on 20 July, lifeguards will also be stationed on additional beaches.
If you’re visiting the beach and going for a swim, please keep between the red and yellow flags for your own safety.
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Tourism, said: “We are delighted to have funded our lifeguard service this year and recruited a dedicated team of new and returning lifeguards to patrol our popular beaches.
“We are also pleased to be working in partnership with the volunteers from Brighton RNLI this year, sharing knowledge and training to help save lives at sea.
“Our lifeguards are committed to supporting our regular seafront officers in ensuring the millions of residents and visitors who flock to our beaches every summer, return home safe and happy.”
Members of the lifeguard team have all successfully completed a beach lifeguard qualification and induction course with the council’s Seafront Team. They have trained in a wide range of skills from assessing sea and weather conditions and dealing with beach hazards, to carrying out first aid and water rescues.
This year, training has also included working with volunteers from the Brighton RNLI. Throughout the season the team will also work with Sussex Police, the South East Coast Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard.
Our lifeguards are easy to spot on the beach with their improved lifeguard observation towers. The lifeguards will be on duty each day from 10.30am to 6pm or 10.30am to 5.30pm depending on the location, supporting the council’s year-round Seafront Team.
Please check the council website for details about lifeguarded beach opening times and locations.
