Brighton RNLI volunteers were kept exceptionally busy over the weekend of July 11–14, responding to six separate incidents involving paddleboarders, swimmers, and jet ski users—highlighting the risks of entering the sea unprepared.
The first callout came at 7.30pm on Friday (July 11), when the inshore lifeboat was launched to assist a person in the water near the West Pier. The crew located a man fishing from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), who was clinging to an orange float.
On their return, the lifeboat crew spotted two more paddleboarders 1.25 nautical miles offshore, attempting to reach the wind farm with no lifejackets, no communication equipment, and dressed only in T-shirts and shorts. With conditions deteriorating and daylight fading, they were brought aboard for their safety and towed to shore.
Later that evening, the team was tasked with checking on a dinghy whose occupants were waving for attention. Fortunately, it was not an emergency—just poor paddling technique—but the RNLI stressed the importance of raising the alarm early if in doubt.
Major shoreline search for missing swimmer
At 1.03pm on Saturday (July 12), the RNLI responded to a serious call: a 27-year-old man had gone missing for over 90 minutes after swimming near Brighton Palace Pier. His belongings were discovered abandoned on the beach by a friend.
A coordinated rescue operation followed. Brighton RNLI launched their lifeboat, while lifeguards, Coastguard teams, and a rescue helicopter conducted beach and aerial searches. The swimmer was eventually found and safely helped ashore.
That night at 9.29pm, lifeboat crews were called out once more after two individuals were seen retrieving a jet ski from a buoy without wearing lifejackets. The pair had earlier been rescued and brought ashore. Concerned they were repeating unsafe behaviour, the RNLI returned them and their jet ski to Brighton Marina.
Early morning search ends with crew training moment
The final shout came at 1.24am on Monday (July 14), when bloodied clothing was found near the i360. Brighton RNLI launched at the request of Sussex Police and searched the shoreline, but were stood down after nothing further was found. Five of Brighton’s newest volunteers assisted back at the station, helping recover and clean the boat and gaining valuable night-time experience.
RNLI urges public to respect the sea
Lifeboat operations manager Charlie Dannreuther said:
“These launches highlight just how varied, and how demanding, a weekend on the coast can be. They also reinforced some vital safety messages.”
He reminded all water users to:
- Wear a lifejacket
- Carry a means of calling for help
- Avoid going out in fading light
- Check weather and tides
- Always tell someone your plans
“If you’re concerned about someone near the water, don’t hesitate—call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” he added. “It’s always better to call early.”
Brighton RNLI volunteers are on call 24/7 to save lives at sea. The public can help by planning ahead and sharing safety advice.
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