Patrol boat back on the water in time for Pier to Pier swim

The seafront patrol boat is back out on the water and ready to keep people safe. 

The boat has been reintroduced following specialist training for the council's seafront team, who will operate and crew it at busy times throughout the summer. 

It was back out in action on Saturday 27 June, ahead of the Brighton Pier to Pier Swim Race. The popular race is one of the oldest and most iconic swimming races in the world, and this year marks the 90th time the event has been held. 

Supporting safety during busy periods

The boat will mainly operate during peak times, particularly in calm conditions when more people are likely to enter the sea.

Operated by the council’s seafront team, it will work alongside the RNLI beach lifeguard service, helping ensure it can be used whenever and wherever it’s needed.

The team will use the boat to monitor activity on the water, providing advice and education for people on inflatables and paddle boards who may otherwise drift too far from shore. They will also help enforce existing bathing byelaws and tackle unsafe or illegal jet ski activity.

Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “With this week’s heatwave, the sea has been one of the best places to cool off and one of the busiest places in the city. 

“Getting the seafront patrol boat back on the water means residents and visitors can feel more confident when they’re enjoying it.

“Using the boat will help the seafront team to prevent incidents from happening before they happen and educating people on the dangers of the open water.

“This is one of a number of ways we’re strengthening safety across the seafront this summer, alongside our partners including the RNLI and Sussex Police.”

Stay safe in the sea

The RNLI and council are urging anyone visiting the seafront to keep yourselves 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. 

Keeping residents and visitors safe

The patrol boat is part of a wider programme of seafront safety measures in place this summer.

Alongside the year-round seafront team, RNLI lifeguards are stationed at key locations along the beach until 6 September, with further locations being covered from 18 July. Other measures include increased CCTV coverage of the seafront, sea safety training for local school children and more regular patrols.