With the bank holiday weekend just passed and school half-term upon us, both beaches at Littlehampton are busy with people enjoying the warm weather.
To ensure that everyone has a fun and safe day out, it’s important to highlight the dangers posed by swimming close to the pier and the river, and by climbing on the timber structure of the West Works.
In just one day over the weekend, the RNLI Beach Lifeguards rescued 5 casualties swept from the beach into the river, in 3 seperate incidents. One of these required the casualty to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
- In just one day over the weekend, the RNLI Beach Lifeguards rescued 5 casualties swept from the beach into the river, in 3 seperate incidents. One of these required the casualty to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
- The tidal flow alongside the river and around the pier creates strong cross-currents which will easily carry even strong swimmers into the river, where they are at risk of drowning or being struck by passing boats.
For this reason, swimming is prophibited in the first bay of East Beach, as shown on the diagram below and on the information boards along the seafront.
The Beach Lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week over the summer and, whereever possible, you should always swim between the Red and Yellow flags.
We have also seen an increase in the number of people climbing on the timber structure which separates the river from West Beach (known locally as the West Works). This structure is not intended for climbing. Marine growth makes it slippery when wet and sharp timbers and steel fixings pose a risk of injury. To make the most of your day, we urge you not to climb on the timbers and to remain on the beach.
