Brighton & Hove City Council has confirmed the return of its patrol boat to local waters later this month, just ahead of the busy summer season. The vessel will begin operations before the popular pier-to-pier swim event on 27 June, providing enhanced safety along the city’s busy coastline.
The patrol boat, managed by the council’s seafront team, will work alongside RNLI lifeguards and coordinate efforts with Sussex Police to protect swimmers and beach visitors through to early September.
The patrol boat will primarily operate during peak times and in calm weather conditions when more people are in the water. The crew will engage with swimmers, paddleboarders, and users of inflatables who may venture too far from shore. They will also enforce bathing byelaws and respond to reports of unsafe or illegal jet skiing along Brighton & Hove’s coast.
This initiative complements the existing RNLI lifeguard coverage stationed at key seafront locations until 6 September. The patrol boat will collaborate closely with lifeguards and Sussex Police to ensure comprehensive safety measures and rapid responses to emergencies.
In addition to the patrol boat, the council is introducing other safety measures including increased CCTV monitoring, more frequent patrols by seafront teams, and sea safety education sessions aimed at local schoolchildren.
“Our seafront is the city’s shop window – it’s an iconic, beautiful stretch of coast which millions of people flock to each year,” said Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “It is absolutely vital the area is safe for everyone who wants to enjoy it. We already have measures in place and work closely with partners including Sussex Police and the RNLI, but we’re determined to build on this further, including by reintroducing the patrol boat.”
With thousands expected to visit Brighton & Hove’s beaches over the summer, the council believes the added presence of the patrol boat will significantly enhance seafront safety and help protect both residents and tourists.
Originally published by UKNIP.
