The RNLI said that the summer lifeguard service ended today (Sunday 6 September) in West Sussex and Brighton and Hove and is due to end along the East Sussex coast in the coming days.
The organisation also said: “The RNLI is urging beachgoers to listen to vital water safety advice if they plan to visit the coast during off-season.”
It comes after three sisters lost their lives in the sea in Brighton in May and, last month, four members of one family died after getting into trouble in the water in Shoreham.
They were not the only deaths in the sea in Sussex this summer and the RNLI said that lifeguards were reflecting on a busy and exceptionally hot season.
The RNLI said: “They helped keep hundreds of thousands of beachgoers safe through preventative measures, rescues, delivery of first aid and casualty care.
“RNLI lifeguards also reunited lost children with their families, delivered water safety sessions in schools and helped save lives at sea.”
The regional lifeguard lead for the south east, Ed Stevens, said: “This summer has been one of the busiest and most demanding seasons in the RNLI lifeguard service’s history, with unprecedented periods of hot weather bringing record numbers of people to our beaches.
“Throughout it all, our lifeguards have shown outstanding professionalism, resilience and commitment, adapting to the challenges of an exceptionally busy season.
“I’m incredibly proud of our teams and grateful for the dedication, care and expertise they have shown every day, helping millions of people enjoy the coast safely.
“If you’re planning to visit the coast outside the lifeguard season, we encourage you to follow the RNLI’s water safety advice.
“Be prepared for any activity you’re planning to do by carrying a means of calling for help and letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
“Always remember the RNLI’s ‘float to live’ guidance and if you get into trouble or see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the beaches next year.”
The RNLI’s float to live guidance encourages anyone who in trouble in the water to
- tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- try to relax and control your breathing
- move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or swim to safety
The RNLI added: “Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard to get help. Tell the struggling person to Float to Live. Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.
“During the off-season, RNLI lifeboat stations remain a 24-hour search and rescue service operation from 238 stations around the UK and Ireland.”
