A patrol boat is being relaunched in Brighton & Hove as part of wider seafront safety measures in place across the seafront.
The boat is expected to begin patrols of coastal waters off Brighton & Hove’s shoreline before the end of the month, in time for the pier-to-pier swim on 27 June.
Once underway, the patrol boat will play a key role in enhancing seafront safety at a time when the city’s beaches become increasingly busy during the warmer summer months.
It will mainly operate during peak periods, particularly in calm conditions when more people enter the water.
The patrol boat, which will be operated and staffed by our seafront team, will work alongside and complement the existing lifeguard service delivered by the RNLI.
This means the team will never be very far away, so they can be in the boat quickly and when it’s needed the most.
Part of the work of the team in the boat will be engaging with people who drift too far from shore on inflatables, paddle boards, or other beach equipment, while it will also enforce existing bathing byelaws and tackle unsafe or illegal jet ski activity.
The reintroduction of the patrol boat is just one way we're keeping residents and visitors safe on the seafront this summer.
Alongside the year-round seafront team, the RNLI beach lifeguards are now in place at various points along the seafront and will be until 6 September.
Other plans include increased CCTV coverage of the seafront, sea safety training for local school children and an increase in patrols by the council’s seafront team.
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Our seafront is the city’s shop window – it’s an iconic, beautiful stretch of coast which millions of people flock to each year; Brighton & Hove simply would not be the city it is without it.
“It is absolutely vital the area is safe for everyone who wants to enjoy it.
“We have measures in place already – and work closely with partners like Sussex Police and the RNLI – but we’re determined to expand this further, including by reintroducing the patrol boat.”