The beach and seafront areas of the city are very popular locations for everyone, but especially popular with families, children and young people.
While the majority of the time children and young people's experiences of the sea front are pleasant, exiting and fun, there are constant risks around to be aware of.
The currents in the sea can be treacherous. Swimming out of the advised areas or jumping from high structures into the sea or water can be dangerous. During the crowded summer months, families, children and young people need to be aware of potential sun stroke and sun burn, and, amongst the crowds, young children could become lost or separated from parents or carers.
For more information about beach and water safety visit the 'Dodgy Town' map on this website or alternatively contact the organisations listed below.
Sea Front Office: The Seafront Office is open 365 days of the year, 9-5.30pm. During the summer the office is open until 7.30pm (May to September).
Tel: (01273) 292716 or 292715
Website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/
The main organisations that are leading the way in regards to beach safety are The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS), and also the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Tel: 0845 122 6999
Email: beachsafety@rnli.org.uk
Website: www.rnli.org.uk/
Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS)
Website: www.lifesavers.org.uk/
Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Tel: 023 8023 9100
Email: micmca@mca.gov.uk
Website: www.mcga.gov.uk/
Advice for parents and carers
- For advice and information about staying safe on the beach contact the Seafront Office on (01273) 292716 or 292715. The Seafront Office is open 365 days of the year, 9-5.30pm. During the summer the office is open until 7.30pm (May to September).
- Alternatively see the 'Safety in Public Places' page on this website for more information about accidents and injuries on the beach or near water.
- If anything happens to your child on the seafront you or they should always look for the Lifeguard or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard or contact the Seafront Office.
- On Brighton beach always swim between the Red and Yellow Flags (Ask the lifeguard for advice).
- Look out for beach safety signs located close to the lifeguarded bathing areas of the sea front. These signs provide the public with warnings about the hazards on particular areas of the beach.
- Your child should never jump or dive into the sea from any high structure, groyne or pier. Even though it may look like fun to some children or young people, it is not a good idea! Your child won't know what might be down there and could severely injure themselves.
- You and your child should always be aware of dangers and risks on the beach and sea front!
- Your child should always tell someone where they are going to swim and how long they are going to be.
- The beach area also run a wrist band scheme to help protect and safeguard young children if they become separated or lost from parents or carers. To find out more about this, contact the Sea Front Office, see details above.
- For more advice about children getting lost see the 'Missing Children' page on this website.
Links
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
See the Brighton & Hove City Council website for information and advice about beach safety and keeping safe along the seafront.
www.rnli.org.uk/
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution prtovide information about all sorts of water safety issues.
www.lifesavers.org.uk
Lifesavers, The Royal Life Saving Society UK, is the UK governing body for Lifesaving and Lifeguarding and is the leading drowning prevention organisation in the UK, and their website can offer a range of advice and information about waters safety.
www.mcga.gov.uk/
The Maritime Coastguard Agency work to prevent lost of life, continuously improving maritime safety and protecting the marine environment.
www.safekids.co.uk/
SafeKids.co.uk was formed in late 2005 to offer a unique reference point on keeping your child safe. Safekids provides a range of information and advice about all sorts of accidnets and injuries.
