As the weather improves, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards are set to return service on Brighton & Hove’s beaches on 23 May for the start of the main season.
From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 6 September, RNLI beach lifeguards will patrol, seven days a week between 10am and 6pm at the following beaches:
The King Alfred lifeguard beach is currently not operational. The nearest lifeguarded beach to this location is Hove Lawns.
Lifeguards will return service to Saltdean, Rottingdean and West Hove/Lagoon later in the season, from 18 July to 6 September.
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: “We are pleased to welcome back the RNLI Lifeguards to our famous beaches.
“Working alongside our brilliant full time Seafront Rangers and Coordinators, the RNLI Lifeguards will ensure that the thousands of people who visit our beaches this summer can return home safe and sound.
“Unlike many beaches, where you can gradually enter the water, Brighton & Hove’s steep shingle shoreline can make entering and exiting difficult especially at high water. This, combined with strong winds can increase the risk of being swept out to sea unexpectedly.
“When you visit Brighton & Hove Seafront. Always choose a lifeguarded beach and do speak to them for advice on tide and weather conditions on the day.
“We want residents and visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time and make memories that they can take home with them. Working with the RNLI gives us the expert support and local presence we need to help make that happen.”
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Tom Ward, said: “It's fantastic to have our RNLI lifeguards back on the beaches in Brighton, ready for the season ahead. Over the past few weeks, the team has been busy training both in the water and on casualty care skills to ensure they are well prepared for the season ahead.
“We encourage anyone visiting the beach to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Come and speak to the lifeguards for advice on local conditions and how to stay safe in the water.
“This year also marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguard service and we’d like to thank all those whose commitment, training and hard work have helped to keep our beaches safer.”
The RNLI and council are urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.
RNLI lifeguards have been keeping beaches safer since 2001, providing critical support to coastal communities and their visitors, and delivering world class lifesaving.
Figures show that in 2025, RNLI lifeguards saved 16 lives across the South East of England, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.
The RNLI is a charity that depends on donations to fund the lifeguards’ kit and training.
Before a lifeguard sets foot on a beach, they take part in months of training. From a rigorous fitness test to learning vital casualty care skills, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment in order to save lives at the beach.
Work on a new active travel scheme between Hove and Portslade is scheduled to begin later this year following the latest consultation stage.
Repaired, restored and renewed, the first of 5 heritage streetlighting columns has been installed back on the city’s seafront.
Hove Lagoon Paddling Pool, Saunders Park Paddling Pool and The Level Water Feature will open on Saturday 2 May.