RNLI lifeguards start service on Brighton and Hove beaches

This marks the charity’s first-ever lifeguarding service in the city.

They will start on Saturday, May 24, and will be on duty every day from 10am to 6pm on seven beaches.

This comes after the beach lifeguard service, previously operated by Brighton and Hove City Council’s Seafront Office team, was replaced by the charity service.

Brighton beaches now protected by fully trained RNLI lifeguards (Image: RNLI – Nathan Williams)

In addition to this, ten beach lifeguard units have been installed by the RNLI from Saltdean to Hove Lagoon.

These serve as a base for the on-duty lifeguards, who are available to give water safety advice and recommend safer places to swim.

Lifeguards offer water safety tips and assistance from new beach units (Image: RNLI – Nathan Williams)

Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguarding Lead for the South East, said: “Our lifeguards undergo rigorous training in water rescue, casualty care and water safety advice and are really looking forward to providing this lifesaving service on the famous beaches of Brighton and Hove over the summer.

“We’re looking forward to building on the existing service that was provided by Brighton and Hove City Council, and will continue the positive relationship we have with the Seafront Office team.”

Records show that in 2024 alone, RNLI lifeguards saved 15 lives, dealt with more than 1,930 incidents, and assisted nearly 2,284 people in South East England.

Tom Ward, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Brighton and Hove, West Sussex, and Hampshire, added: “Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through their inductions and training hard in preparation for the season ahead.

“RNLI lifeguards have to maintain a level of fitness which allows them to swim 200m in under 3.5 minutes and run 200m on sand in under 40 seconds.”

He advised: “It’s important to remember that the water is still very cold at around ten degrees despite the warm weather forecast and we ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always having a means of calling for help.”

Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RNLI to provide the lifeguard service on our busiest and most popular beaches.

“The dedicated and fully trained RNLI lifeguards will be working alongside our regular seafront officers to help ensure the thousands of people who flock to our beaches this summer return home safe and happy.”

The RNLI reminds beachgoers to visit a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, keep a close eye on their family, and remember the “FLOAT TO LIVE” rule if one falls into the water unexpectedly.