City's RNLI lifeguard service begins this weekend

A new lifeguard service which is run by the RNLI is to be rolled out in Brighton & Hove this weekend.

The charity will have lifeguards at ten different sites from Hove to Saltdean from Saturday to 7 September.

The RNLI already manages more than 200 beaches across the UK.

Brighton & Hove City Council announced the move in January, and said transferring the service to the RNLI will help it to "maintain the current level of service and provide value for money".

Sam Johnson, water safety manager for the RNLI, said: "We'd really encourage people if they're coming to the beach to chat to the lifeguards, find out what's going on, speak to them about the safe areas to bathe and use different water craft.

"We patrol 240 beaches around the UK each year. We're really proud to be working with Brighton & Hove City Council to roll out the service.

"There will be at least two lifeguards at the each of the sites. We'd encourage people to use a lifeguarded beach, check the weather and tides."

The charity is also promoting its Float to Live campaign for people who get into difficulty in the water.

The RNLI's advice is for people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally and move their hands and legs to help them stay afloat.

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